Radio drama returns

Press, 15 September 1976, Page 19

Radio drama returns

By

KEN COATES

Radio New Zealand plans to resume South Island drama production with four plays before Christmas — two in Christchurch and two in Dunedin. The first will be a play called "A Victim of Circumstances." by Hadrian Regers, to be produced by Antony Groser. It will be broadcast on the national programme on December 5, and will be of 45 minutes duration, with a cast of five. Radio drama production ceased in Christchurch two years ago when the city was without a professional theatre. Since then production facilities have been taken over by’ television, and the cast of the first play will be working within the limitations of the 3ZB studios. “For this reason we have chosen a fairly straightforward play' which is not too complicated,” said Antony Groser. “We will just

have to see how it goes.” He has written to the Repertory and Court Theatres, and will visit Christchurch soon to hold auditions and bring up to date the radio actors’ cast list. “I will find out how many people are still available, and will be looking for new actors and actresses,” .Mr Groser said. “We are interested in anyone who is suitable and like to have as many people on our list as possible. This gives us scope in finding the right voice at the right time.” A production in Dunedin is planned for the end of October, and another in Christchurch at the end of November. This will be followed by a further Dunedin play. “The idea is to produce four plays in the South Island before Christmas and then take stock,” Mr Groser added. A decision could then possibly be made on the need for improved production facilities.

The cast of the first play would include proven actors and actresses, such as Judi Douglass, Barry Empson and Gerritt Bahlman.

The plans of Radio New Zealand to again produce drama in the South Island has been enthusiastically received by actors. “It was a very bad blow indeed when the studio was closed down, and we lost a number of actors to Auckland and Wellington, and overseas.” said the secretary of Actors’ Equity in Christchurch (Mrs Ingrid Prosser). The biggest shock was the loss of the facilities and studio in Gloucester Street, now used by TV2, and it seemed as though radio drama would never again be produced in Christchurch. “We are absolutely delighted at the latest decision, and if it means drama production on a sound basis again, we will be most enthusiastic and encouraged,” Mrs Prosser added.