"Not all Nelsonians narrow-minded’

Press, 7 August 1985, Page 2

"Not all Nelsonians narrow-minded’

PA Nelson Fendalton and Remuera would have “more conservative extremists per square inch” than Nelson, according to the president of the Nelson Repertory Theatre, Mr Richard Evans. Mr Evans was responding to criticisms of Nelsonians made by Mr Doug Clarke, president of the Christchurch group Riccarton Players, which staged the play, “Christie in Love,” in Nelson at the week-end. Some members of the Nelson audience, estimated by Mr Evans as numbering about 10, walked out during the play and some booed during the judging. The organiser of the divisional final of the Theatre

Federation’s one-act play contest, Mrs Joyce Rowland, was one of those who walked out. Mrs Rowland, a veteran director for the Theatre Royal, said she watched about a third of the play but could not stomach any more. But she said the play was “excellently done” and deserved to win. Mr Evans rejected the claim that Nelsonians as a whole were narrow-minded. “Nelson is a very artistic, cosmopolitan town, full of Europeans and is an artistic centre.” He said the people who walked out probably had the view that theatre should be entertainment — hearts and flowers and pretty songs.

“The world is an unhappy and sordid place. You can either open your eyes and accept that or surround yourself with flowers and fairy tales.” Both views were legitimate but those who held them would never agree, he said. Christie is presented in the play displaying artificially exaggerated genitals. “It was not gratuitous filth, it was not titillation,” Mr Evans said. “If it had been weak acting, weak directing, or weak writing I would have been offended.” Mr Evans said the play was very precisely directed, and very well acted. He personally would not take part in the play but he would go to see it again.