S.I. Divisional Finals In Drama League Festival

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30212, 17 August 1963, Page 15

S.I. Divisional Finals In Drama League Festival

Two plays from the Christchurch and North Canterbury area were last night repeated in the South Island divisional finals festival of the British Drama League. The third play in the programme was the work of the Phoenix Players, from the South Canterbury area. The festival was officially opened by Mrs E. E. Woolcott, a member of the national executive. The adjudicator, Frank Newman, of Wellington, evas introduced by the area president, Mr Hunter Bell. "The Trap,” produced by George Milburn for the Little Theatre, was a production of considerable realism in both acting and setting. It is a moving play about a credible situation, and in this production an utterly-con-vincing portrayal of the mother by Daphne Milburn was the outstanding performance The other members of the cast responded with some good acting. Susan Garters gave a lively and intelligent performance, with excellent gestures; Mavis Humphries, as the daughter who sees the trap about to shut on her. too, achieved a good contrast with her quieter character; and Auntie was played with commendable restraint by June Kempkers. Grouping in this play was occasionally clumsy, and in one or two cases the realism faded, but it was a production that was never dull. The same could not be said of “Find Me at the Federal.'’ a play set in “a typical Australian home” and written by V. J. Moran. The theme of this play is not far removed from that of ‘Tne Trap,” and it was perhaps rather difficult for The Phoenix Players to follow this play, because "Find Me at tihe Federal” is rather inferior. The writing lacks the drive of “The Trap.” there is a tendency to wordiness. and some parts are far too drawn out. This cast found it difficult to make the play convincing. Characters where the author, and the players, were most assured were those of Grandpa, pteyed by Bob Craig with considerable skill, and Mrs Fisher, a small part well handled by Elaine Andrews The set was well contrived, and there was evidence of careful planning by the producer, Kathleen Button.

The Japanese No-play. “Hanjo.' was in such contrast to the two preceding plays and. indeed, to most oneact plays, that its impact on the audience was quite marked. This production, by A'ex Henderson tor the Elmwood Players, was notable for its stißness and its great

visual beauty. The producer had clearly given much thought to creating the perfect atmosphere for this exquisite play. The actors all gave controlled performances, showing a complete understanding of the conventions and traditions of this type of play. Chris Joyce, as the artist, Joan Larson, as the mad girl, and Les Griffin, as Yoshio, were all completely in command of their parts.. speaking with clarity, varying their pace with skill and moving with an economy of gesture which made this play a pleasure to watch. Cm the second and final night of the festival in the Repertory Theatre tonight, four more plays wil be presented.