MILLER CASTING DISPLEASES

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30738, 30 April 1965, Page 12

MILLER CASTING DISPLEASES

With so many amateur dramatic groups functioning in Christchurch, it is perhaps not surprising that some should present work which is not of a uniformly high quality. It is, however, remarkable that any society should set about presenting a play which it is clearly unable to cast. Last night’s audience at the opening of The Little Theatre’s “All My Sons” witnessed the outcome of such a situation, and the result was an uncomfortable, embarrassing evening.

Arthur Miller’s play is concerned with universal situations but, as in all his plays, these are displayed through highly individualistic characters: characters quite clearly defined in the text of the play. That these definitions had been largely ignored in casting some the principal characters in this production became increasingly obvious as the play progressed.

Maureen Ault made Kate Keller the focal point of the play whenever she was on stage. This was not because of any attempt to steal the limelight—quite simply she was Kate. But her control and authority unfortunately seemed to highlight the inadequacies of other members of the cast.

One other performance went a long way to being convincing. Sue Garters has shown her capabilities before, and her playing of Ann can be added to her list of successes.

Direction of this play is attributed in the programme to two people, Hunter Bell and Jannat Aitchison, and one might well expect this combination of talents to produce something noteworthy. This was not the case. It should not be necessary to point out to experienced producers that the audience likes to see the actors and that this is not possible when nearly all the action takes place at the back of an ill-lit stage.

The Little Theatre has made valiant efforts over the past years to establish a reputation and build up an audience. However, the policymakers in this group, in deciding to use the Repertory Theatre to draw this audience, should have selected a play more within the capabilities of the members. There is a market for Miller, but not for mutilated Miller. The season continues at the Repertory Theatre tonight and tomorrow night.— P.S.