ANDRE OBEYS “NOAH”

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27683, 13 June 1955, Page 7

ANDRE OBEYS “NOAH”

THE THEATRE

TEACHERS’ COLLEGE PRESENTATION Andre Obey’« play “Noah” was presented by the Teachers’ College Drama Club at the College Hall on Saturday evening. “Noah” calls for varied and unconventional acting, and for skilful settings and effects; and here the club gave proof of both versatility and inventiveness. The acting was deft and capable. The background and properties had a bright pictorial quality where that was required: for instance, the exhilarating atmosphere of the first act was notable; the cabin scene was contrived with real ingenuity; and clever lighting conveyed the desolation of Mount Ararat at the end of the play. Music and sound blended perfectly with the action, and costume and decor abounded in vivid colour. As a play “Noah” seemed rather uneven. The first two acts were sparkling, the last act was really moving; but the leading themes. Noah’s fidelity, the monotony of life on the ark, the children’s rebell ionsness, which after all did not amount to much, were dealt with in the central section of the play in too great detail and with too profound a deliberation. Furthermore, Andre Obey assumes that is own fondness for soliloquy will be shared by the audience. On the other hand the symoblism of “Noah” is lightly suggested, and was not insisted upon by the cast. It accordingly remained a matter of implication and a subject for interesting speculation. The leading part in the play was taken by Jim Ketel, whose performance was accomplished and mature. As Noah he invested the patriarchal virtues of forbearance, hope and love with a deep humanity that was appreciated by the audience. Beth Pyner, as Mrs Noah, was patience itself in a sensitive and subdued interpretation. The varied natures of the three sons werq, firmly revealed. John Batstone filled out the brutal, restless character of Ham: Gerald Williams showed diversified acting ability as Shem, and Owen Paterson was a bright and alert Japheth. Margaret Dalton, June Child, and Pauline Colthart as Naomi, Sella, and Ada, gave attractive and assured performances, although with airs and graces perhaps too charming to be entirely antediluvian.

The animals deserved special commendation. lan McAulsan’s Bear was a creature of marked individuality, contrasting well with Doreen Cropp’s presentation of a reflective lion. As the cow Jill McPherson was appealing, and David Chapple made a suitably impudent monkey. Smaller animal parts were attractively played by Brian Jenner, Gabrielle Savage. Yvonne Tyler and David Johnson. Finally as The Man, Trevor Crew boldly exemplified that savage life which is “nasty, brutish and short” in a masterful performance “Noah” is produced by Nancy Caughley and everywhere reveals her skill and resourcefulness. The present season will continue until June 16. —C.E.S.