DRAMATIC ART

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 251, 20 July 1934, Page 5

DRAMATIC ART

Elizabeth Loe in London

The national executive of the British Drama League have received a letter from Miss Elizabeth H. A. Loe, winner of the scholarship given by Miss Elsie Fogarty to the New Zealand branch of the B.D.L. for a two-year course in dramatic art to be taken at the Elsie Fogarty School of Drama. London.

Miss Loe says: lam taking the movement classes, e.g., classical dancing, deportment, mime and fencing, this year, for although I do not expect to become proficient, in them, I think a knowledge, of correct movement and poise should be useful in dealing with others later. I attend classes in diction, voice production, play reading, lighting, costume and stage design, besides being in three or four different rehearsal classes,.and I have had one “A” for acting. I try to read a certain amount and to see as many plays as possible, which owing to financial reasons is fairly difficult and they usually have to bo seen from the “Gods.” Last term I joined the Field-flower Players and was leader of the crowd in “Triumph.” This was played in the Webber-Doug-las Theatre and was more or less au amateur affair and in a very small theatre, but the experience will be useful I also went to a short course of production for club leaders, etc., given by the 8.D.L., and attended a course of evening classes in country dancing at Cecil Sharp House. In the Easter vacation I attended a ten days’ course of production by the B.D.L. at King’s College, which was most interesting and extremely useful The “tabloid” course taken with “grown-up” students was most stimulating, so if: I can possibly afford it I shall go up to anothe’r at Scarborough in August. At the Easter school some of the lecturers ■were Komlsarijevsky, Evan John, Van Gyseghem, Margaret Yarde and Robert Atkins. I am afraid I do not lead a very “social” life, as ample means are needed to do that kind of thing in London. However, I was asked to a dinner by the Royal Empire Society and introduced to Sir Philip Ben Greet, the guest of honour. Then last Monday I received an Invitation from H.R.H. Princess Allee, Duchess of Athlone, to see the military tournament with her in the Royal box. I couldn’t think why, but found it was because I was an overseas Girl Guide commissioner. It was most exciting to watch, and seemed more so being in the Royal party. Tea was served in the inner box and it was all most friendly and nice.

Some time ago I went to a tea party to meet Lady Baden-Powell, and have been asked to one or two guide functions, which I have been unable to attend owing to work and lectures. Last term I went to a tea party at Dady Frances Ryder’s to meet Sir James Parr. In the brief talk I had with him he expressed his interest in the B.D.L.