More Plays Presented In Christian Drama Festival

Press, Volume C, Issue 29623, 20 September 1961, Page 17

More Plays Presented In Christian Drama Festival

Enthusiasm marked the acting of all three plays presented on the second evening of the Festival of Christian Drama organised by the Christchurch Religious Drama Society. The festival is held in the Assembly Hall of the Linwood High School. “Swords of the Innocent,” the choice of the St. Peter’s Drama Group, was impressive in itself; so much imagination had been shown by the playwright in composing it. There was a great deal happening on stage that had been added to the Gospel narrative, and as this was unfamiliar to the audience it gave the interest of novelty. The stage was brightly set, and Pat Smith and Eve Farmer acted particularly well. A bigger cast was needed for the second play. “Easter Morning,” and the variety of voices and demeanour gave a pleasing effect. The impression of mounting excitement was. generally speaking, steadily maintained, and here much depended upon Amy Pamham, who acted with considerable feeling. The value of the more restful part played by Edith McKendry was also appreciated by the audience. It was obvious as well that Mabel Brown, Dorothy Lewis. Mary Constable and Nora Hinman had taken a great deal of trouble with the roles they were playing. "Easter Morning” was acted by the St. Matthew’s Ladies’ Drama Group. The third play, “Weep Not For Me,” treated a Scriptural character from an unexpected point of view. Three of the four characters of the cast

were closely connected in one way or another with Judas, and the play gave their responses to the news of his great betrayal. Some good amateur acting contributed to the poignancy of “Weep Not For Me"; but what was even more noticeable was the agreeable quality of the voices of all those taking part. Rita O’Neil had the central role in “Weep Not For Me,’’ and her performance was probably the most accomplished. This play was presented by the Catholic Women’s League Drama Group. In the final programme at t'.e Linwood High School this evening plays will be given by drama groups from St. Bartholomew's, Kaiapoi. and from St. Stephen’s and St. Thomas’s Churches. —CEB.