NEW PROBLEM PLAY

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 71, 23 March 1912, Page 19

NEW PROBLEM PLAY

DRAMA OF THE AUSTRALIAN GOLD FIELDS. A problem play, from the West Australian gold fields— how small the world is! — entertained the London Stage Society one afternoon last month at the Now Prince's Theatre. Despite a certain naive simplicity about its technique, it had a freshness and vigour that were at least a very cogent letter of recommendation, says the London Chronicle. The author, Mr. • Norman M'Keowri, is new to theatrical fame so far as London is concerned, but "produced" the play ' himself ; and ' transported us) a» vividly as resources would allow, to the neighbourhood of Kalgoorlie, on the desert border. Here, in the midst -of a sort of Australian Bret Harte atmosphere, there arrive two "travellers"— a professor of anthropology, and his wife. The professor is on tho look-out lor human specimens— black, yellow, or white, as the case may be — and his labours give him Httle leisure to look after his lady. So she has to solace herself with any chances of flirtation that come her way. One such chance turns up in the surprising shape of the foreman of the mine, who is leading a local strike. He is the roughest ol the' rough, but honest according to his lights. Hia frank, uncouth, but forcible passion offers a new and exciting experience to the professor's wife. But what of tho professor? His attitude is at once the joke and serious purport of the play. Finding the two in each other's arms, he produces a pistol, and holds it with faltering aim. The miner defies him scornfully. "Why," says 1 he, "oven when you've got a gun you haven't got the pluck to use it P' The professor protests. "Let me emphasise the fact, ' he remarks, "that I really mean to shoot you." "Well, then, jhoot !'• says the miner, with determined bluff. The professor fumbles with the trigger. The pistol does not go off. He had forgotten to load' it. None the less, intellect had to some extent justified itself against physique. The miner recognises that "there was more stuff in the professor than he gave him credit for." He bids the lady farewell, and leaves her distracted between mind and , matter, husband and lover, and there is a touch of genuine pathos either way. The play, curiously good in parts, with its daring blend of humor ana earngst* ness, is capitally acted' by the leading performers.