DRAMA LEAGUE FESTIVAL

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28951, 20 July 1959, Page 13

DRAMA LEAGUE FESTIVAL

14 Entries From 11 Clubs

The popularity of the festival conducted by the Christchurch and North Canterbury area of the British Drama League has been maintained this year with 14 entries from 11 clubs and societies. Although all are in regular active production the festival is still a major event and casts have been rehearsing for several weeks to achieve the high standard of presentation the occasion demands. “The work in the festival is representative of the best among clubs in the area and as such deserves the widest support,” said the area president (Mr W. E. Cook). The area was dependent on the box office receipts of the festival for its finances, and with the admission price kept to a minimum in spite of increased costs it was difficult to achieve more than a modest profit unless there were capacity audiences, not only on the final night, but • throughout the festival. Mr Cook said. A really successful festival financially would ensure more assistance to clubs. The festival, at the Repertory Theatre, will be officially opened on Wednesday evening by Mrs Martin Sullivan, deputising for the area patron (Miss Jean McGregor). Awards will be presented on Saturday evening by the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr G. Manning). Programmes On Wednesday evening plays will be presented by the Christchurch North Townswomen’s Guild, Canterbury University Drama Society, and the William Morris Group. Thursday evening’s programme includes entries by the Elmwood Players (two plays), Christchurch Teachers’ College Drama Club, and the Risingholme Drama Group. The Darfleld Drama Club, a third team from the Elmwood Players, St. Anne’s Drama Group, and the Phoenix Theatre will appear on Friday. Entries from the Catholic Women’s League Drama Group, Phoenix Theatre (second presentation), and the Marlborough Repertory Society comprise Saturday’s programme. The Marlborough Repertory Society was granted permission to enter the Christchurch festival since no similar event is held at Blenheim or Nelson. The judge will be Miss Frona King, of Nelson. Well-known as a producer and teacher of speech and drama in Christchurch until five years ago, Miss King has a wide knowledge of theatre from practical experience and study overseas. Although she has judged many festivals in New Zealand this will be Miss King's first appearance in Christchurch in this role. Besides commenting on the plays presented each evening. Miss King will select two teams to perform again with teams from North Otago and South Canterbury at the divisional finals at the St. James’ Theatre on August 22, the winning team going on to the New Zealand finals at the Opera House, Wellington, on September 11 and 12. The judge on both occasions will be Mrs Nora Ratcliff, of England.