CHINESE THEATRE COMPANY

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28105, 22 October 1956, Page 12

CHINESE THEATRE COMPANY

Leader Comments On Melbourne Ban “STRONG OBLIGATION TO HONOUR CONTRACT” (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 21. “If there are good reasons which we have not yet heard for changing our Australian itinerary, and concrete proposals to make this change possible. we shall be pleased to hear them.” said Mr Hsu Kuang-hsiao. leader of the Chinese Classical Theatre Company. in Wellington yesterday, when he commented on the Australian Government’s ban on the company’s scheduled appearances in Melbourne during the Olympic Games. “I have read in the newsnapers what the Australian Prime Minister (Mr Menzies) and Mr Garnett Carroll, are reported to have said.” Mr Hsu said. “I cannot understand why. at this late hour, we should be asked to change our contract, still less why the Classical Theatre of China should not perform in Melbourne during the Olvmpic Games. “Three months ago. we signed a contract with J. C. Williamson. Ltd., and Mr Carroll, which requires us to perform in the Australian caoitals of Sydney. Canberra. Adelaide, and Perth, and to give 19 performances in Melbourne between November 21 and December 8. “Of course, we feel a strong obligation to honour our contract, and we assume that the other parties to the contract have the same wish and intention. » “The reported statements of Mr Menzies and Mr Carroll appear contradictory. and until the situation is clear, I do not wish to make any further comment, except to say that our tour has been happy, and relations with J. C. Williamson. Ltd., and Mr Carroll have been satisfactory and cordial,” Mr Hsu concluded.