Production annoys writer

Press, 13 June 1984, Page 22

Production annoys writer

PA Dunedin The playwright, Roger Hall, whose new play “Multiple Choice,” has just finished a season in Dunedin, has dissociated himself from a production of the play in Auckland.

The Auckland production is running at the Mercury Theatre.

“The play is a debate play and Mercury’s production, presenting it as a circus with the characters as clowns, does everything possible to distract from the debate,” Mr Hall said yesterday.

“The production w'ent ahead in that style against my specific wishes.” He said he had spoken to the play’s producer, Lee Grant, who told him of her intentions for the Mercury production last month.

“I made it clear to her that this would be entirely against the spirit and intentions of the play,” said Mr Hall. He also saw the Mercury’s artistic director, Jonathon Hardy. “I pointed out both to Mr Hardy and Miss Grant that

if the script of the play was unacceptable as it stood, then the Mercury should not present it at all.”

On his return from overseas on Saturday, he saw the production and “realised that the Mercury had taken no notice at all of my wishes.” “Furthermore, an entire scene had been cut without my permission.” In his opinion, the production was “appalling.” “My criticism of the production does not apply to the actors, who did a good job in difficult conditions.” In advertising the play, the Mercury used his name to sell it. “In other words, Mercury

is willing to try to cash in on my name but at the same time disregard completely my wishes.” Auckland audiences had previously supported his plays generously. “So I feel I have to advise them that what is on offer is not of my choosing and is a deliberate misinterpretation of all that I intended. I can only offer apologies to them for this.” He will take the matter up with the Mercury’s board. Mr Hall is chairman of the Fortune Theatre Trust Board in Dunedin. The Dunedin production of “Multiple Choice,” which ended on Saturday, was the New Zealand premiere.