ACT PIRACY.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17769, 22 May 1923, Page 13

ACT PIRACY.

Recently an nnusuaMy large number of artists have returned from"Australia, and, whatever the individual view, may be of the Commonwealth and its people, there is one story they all have to tell us (says the London "Performer"). That is the extent to which art piracy is rampant in that country. According to our informants, it would appear as if there is really no musichall act that has proved successful in this country that is not reproduced in Australia, practically in its' etftiretjy within a very short time of its; success'becoming known. ,AJI the big stars ■"'"""• have been, and are still,' suffering. On many occasions prominent artists, who have been booked at large salaries to go to that'country, have "flopped" badly because their acts have proved almost as well known there as they are in this country. It might be argued that the mere artistry of the '.'.star'? performer should militate against any chance of anything like complete failure in such cases; But the point of view of the Australian public must be taken into account. It is only understandable that great English perform-' ers are billed and boomed like circuses before appearing in Australia, and so the expectations of the public run high. Imagine the disappointment when they see a performance with which they have been already made familiar by other and lesser known artists. Ninety per cent, of _ the act pirates are native-born Australians, and the rapidity with which pirated.edition? of acts reach the Commonwealth has brought the suggestion that a properly-constituted organisation is at work. But this we do not for one minute believe. The iugenuity of the , : ordinary thief has long been a matter of wonder and comment. Apparently . tho methods of the act thief are no • less so. Clearly Australian managements book reputed English acts because of their actual knowledge of the material these acts are playing. And tho marvel to us.is that in these circumstances the managements permit phated versions to be played beforehard. Surely they are thus permitting a reduction- of the value of tlieir own investments. To our mind, it is a matter to which Australian managements should give close attention, and use the weapon that is in their hands, t«.put. a sfop to a contemptible form of theft wMch is highly detrimental to their i own interests.