LIVELY THEATRE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 41, 18 February 1943, Page 3

LIVELY THEATRE

AUCKLAND REPERTORY

WARTIME PRODUCTIONS

Proof that war conditions had noi dampened the spirit of members wa.~ given at the annual meeting of the Auckland Repertory Theatre last night. A good deal of lively discussion took place, including criticisms and new suggestions, all of it animated by enthusiasm. It was a healthy sign to see so much interest, said the president, Mr. John Gordon. Questions whicn were put to the new committee for consideration embraced such topics as the opening of the active membership list to students who had proved themselves in the apprenticeship stage, the replacement for the time being of men overseas, who were still active members, but might be considered honorary, the possibility of putting on a major production acted, entirely by student members to give them much-needed experience, and the necessity of giving more attention to stage management. Some of the matters involved constitutional amendments and would have to be decided at a special meeting. A thorny problem was the definition of active and student members. Several people said the impression had been gained that no more student members could apply for active membership, yet it was pointed out that a number of these were worthy of promotion, whicn brought with it the right to vote. Others felt" that some active members had not been considered carefully enough in the easting of plays, parts having been given to student members with no period of service in the A.R.T., or to members who had had many opportunities. It was also felt that the more experienced people could give more attention to grooming younger players. _ In their reports, both the president, and the secretary, Mrs. M. Lovatt, showed that the year had been a difficult one, the shortage of men players and technicians being especially acute. However, three major productions, widely different in type, had been presented successfully. American servicemen had been guests of the theatre for the first night of one play. The following officers were elected: —Patron, Mr. J. W. Shaw; president, Mr. J. Gordon; vice-presi-dents, Messrs. J. Lovatt and J. Mence; secretary, Mrs. M. Lovatt; treasurer, Miss L. Heine; committee, Mesdames J. Fisher, C. Laird, A. Bertram and J. Black, and Miss B. U. Hughes.