Group In Bold Comedy

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32265, 7 April 1970, Page 8

Group In Bold Comedy

With one production completed, the controversial play. “A Day in the Death of Joe Egg,” in rehearsal, and plans in hand for three more productions later in the year, the Group Theatre has set a strong pace for local theatre in 1970. In its productions in the last year the Group Theatre has earned a reputation for boldness, and “Joe Egg,” which is to open in the C.S.A. gallery next Monday night, should do nothing to tarnish this image. The play, written by Peter Nichols, is about the way in which two young parents cope with the problems of a spastic child. Nominally it is a comedy. The producer, Brian Deavoll, says he does not think any other drama group in Christchurch would be prepared to produce it “Many producers, particularly in the amateur field, I come across plays that they would like to present, but they would hesitate in offering to any of the older societies, because of a foregone conclusion that the society concerned would not dare present anything that

could upset its audiences,” .Mr Deavoll said. “Hence many good plays never see the light of day in Christchurch, because in the past nobody was prepared to meet the possible storm of complaint that presentation could cause. Nonetheless, producers still want to present the plays, and the Group Theatre offers a way. This is how Christchurch will shortly be able to see ‘A Day in the Death of Joe Egg.’ “This play, voted the best play of 1968, has been presented in Wellington and in Dunedin, but though other ! societies have looked at it, none has been prepared to have it presented in Christchurch. When the play was first offered to Group Theatre, they immediately liked it and made plans to have it presented as soon as possible. "This is the first play that I have done for the Group, but I certainly hope that it won’t be the last. I enjoy working with them, and particularly like the way that they have given me a completely free hand with this production.” Of the play’s subject, Mr Deavoll said: “Few parents could deny that they at some time or another have thought of this possibility, and how they would face up to it. The play shows how one couple faced up to the problem, it does not attempt to say if their way is right or wrong. Peter Nichols is himself a father of a spastic child, so intending audiences are assured that the subject is handled skilfully.” The production will open next Monday, and the Group has booked the gallery until April 18 for its season. For the rest of the year, the Group Theatre has scheduled productions at twomonth intervals. In June, Terence Shepherd will produce "Tests”; in August, Robin Queree will produce Joe Orton’s “Loot”; and in October Mr Shepherd again will produce Jean Claude Van Itallie’s “America Hurrah.” The Group had hoped to have Mervyn Thompson produce a play for it this year, but because of the tight schedule —which also includes “mini-productions” and play readings in the Spotlight Coffee House—this has not been feasible.