"PEP"

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 141, 16 June 1924, Page 3

"PEP"

THE STUDENTS' EXTRAVAGANZA,

The extravaganza of the Victoria University College Students this year 'is entitled "Pep." The title giVes but a. slight clue to the character of the production. Perhaps it was chosen because the theme is the glory of youth. "Youth" would be too simple and sober a label for a student composition, and "Pep" is that quality of vigour and enterprise which is the distinctive characteristic of youth ''Pep" as an extravaganza ias in the form which is traditional with Victoria College. Mythical or historical episodes are presented to .illustrate the theme. There are peeps into the past, the present, and the future. The first act shows the youth of ancient Greece, sacrificed to the Minotaur of Crete, till the monster is slain by Theseus. In the second act Charlotte Corday sacrifices her life and youth that France may be freed from the tyranny of Marat. The third act is allegorical, and the author acknowledges his idea to the Capek play. A manufacturer discovers how to make mechanical beings, able to work, but v"° ,feelinS- His scheme succeeds till the beings which are created only to work discover the secret of youth and overwhelm him and his political friends. In this allegory there is a reference to the railway strike and current politics; but the connection is not made clear. In a foreword to the extravaganza the author makes his explanation of the play, and pleads that youth may have its chance. As a reason for the plea, some facts are stated, one of them being that boys are to be seen in the streets on Saturday evening selling the evening paper, often until ploso on midnight. This is not a fact—if the daily evening- paper is meant. The extravaganza. ■ has this thread of serious thought running through it, but the serious side is not laboured. On the contrary, it might remain hidden if it were not for the clue given in the foreword. There is much student revelry, with caricaturing of public men, and many topical allusions. Also, there is a suggestion of the revue, though not so much as in some previous extravaganzas.- "The scenes of the French Revolution have dramatic strength; much more than is expected in such a production, but a guillotine tableau spoils what would otherwise be a fitting conclusion. Different in type, but quite delightful, 'is the opening of the final scene showing the spirit of youth answering to the pipes of Pan. The outstanding performer. in the production at the Grand Opera House on Saturday night was Miss Mary Cooley in the role of Charlotte Corday. She had two long speeches to make; and she gave true value to every line. Her acting was powerful, and it is not too much to say that she made this scene. Miss Thyra Baldwin was 'another capable performer. She appeared in three distinct roles, and both spoke and acted well. Mr. N. L. Knell, as a Dane, with much to say about the present-day students, was responsible for much of the comedy of the play. His song, "At V.U.C. There Used to Be," was well received. Among other performers who did well in their several parts were: Mr. N. Whiteman (Captain Bill Gassey). Mr. J. Lockie (Newrightis, Mayor of Athens and Corporal Sparr), and Mr. .T. Nicholls (Rampageous: City Organist in Athens and Sergeant Dan). Miss TZ. Fair and Mr. N. Bvvne wore two good singers, and Miss Marjorie Buckeriilge tfanced.

The music generally was bright and pleasing. Mr. W. Kohn conducted the orchestra. The extravaganza was written hv Mr. 2\ T. J\f. Byrne and nroduced by ' Mr. Theodore Trezise. The audience was large.

"Pep" will be repeated to-night and to-morrow night.

A clook 'vlilch will bo dependent only on gravity has been describee! by Mr. F. Hope-Jones to tlio Royal Society of Arts. It will, lie sots, measure time for considerable periods lo within gnu-hundredth part of. a second per day.