PLAYS BY LOCAL PLAYWRIGHTS

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31124, 29 July 1966, Page 8

PLAYS BY LOCAL PLAYWRIGHTS

Four plays by local playwrights were presented in the British Drama League’s festival of drama last night Elektra (a fragment of the “Atreid”), which was presented by the Elmwood Players, was written and produced by Brian Gallas. The judge (Mrs Rosalie Carey, of Dunedin), said that it was a work wrich had probably embroiled the writer in a holocaust of intellectual and emotional energy. It was a beautifully staged version of the old Greek play and the set and lighting had been magnificent. But she did not know what the purpose of the play was, Mrs Carey said. Credit must be given to the cast which had carried out the author’s intentions. But if a play was begun on a top note with the intention of sustaining the tension throughout the challenge to the cast was one it was impossible for members to meet. There had to be moments of rest, or the production would be more than the audience could take.

The Crescent Theatre presented “Last Seen Alive,” which was written and produced by Strath McKnight. Mrs Carey said that this was another example of sustained dramatic intensity, but unless it was played with much more restraint the audience would not know if it was a serious play or a mad piece of melodrama . George Taylor’s presentation of the paronoiac schizophrenic, Jack Mason, was so well done that it “gave me the creeps,” Mrs Carey said. When Julie Mason, played by Shirley Kingston, was calm she was probably the most interesting character seen so far during the week. Mrs Carey said that those producing a play must remem-

ber that they had an audience’s emotions to deal with, and they must provide both light and shade. There had to be something to laugh at before the great dramatic scenes. “I did not really expect to get such stylish acting,” Mrs Carey said of “The Shabby Representative,” which was presented by the Canterbury Repertory Theatre Training Course. It was written by Max Richards and produced by Jan Farr.

Mrs Carey said that the play was original and interesting and was the first example of really sophisticated acting that she had seen all week. It contained superb characterisation and the social satire was delectable. Tony De Vere’s presentation of the old Cockney soldier, Mr Price-Jones, had been excellent.

The “Overseas Expert,” presented by The Little Theatre, was a delightful play, and a beautifully integrated piece of work, Mrs Carey said. It was written by Eve Hughes and produced by Alex Aitchison.

The addition of real people and places to a play enhanced it. The casting was magnificent, and the production tremendously satisfying, Mrs Carey said.

Social Credit Group.—Residents of the Fendalton electorate attended an afternoon social conducted by the welfare department of the Social Credit Political League. All those present were asked to advise the committee of any lonely, aged or sick folk who would welcome visitors from the welfare branch. Entertainment was provided by Mesdames J. Bryant, J. Lawn and Miss C. Forster.