LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY

Evening Star, Issue 22083, 17 July 1935, Page 8

LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY

MOVEMENT SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHED ENTHUSIASM AT INAUGURAL MEETING . The Little Theatre Society movement was launched with marked enthusiasm and complete unanimity by the large crowd of supporters who turned out for the inaugural public meeting of prospective members m the Public Trust board room last evening. The attendance was indicative of the keen interest the movement has aroused, and the detailed analysis of the proposed objects and activities of the society given by Mr R. S. M. Sinclair, who was in the chair, was heard with close attention and then warmly endorsed by the whole meeting, The society has obtained the use of commodious premises in the extension of the Savoy buildings to house its operations, and will make its debut before the Dunedin public in the presentation of a series of one-act plays on Saturday evening. It was stated at last night’s meetjng that Valuable offers of practical assistance had come in from all sides, and that there was every indication that the society Would enjoy a very healthy career.

Mr Sinclair explained at the outset that, as chairman of the meeting, ho was representing those associated ih the promotion of the Little Theatre movenient in Dunedin, and the first point they wished to stress was that they were not opposed in any way to any existing organisations, and had no wish to tread on their toes. • The Little Theatre Society would be making its first bow to the public of Dunedin on Saturday night, and Mr Sinclair was happy to report the Repertory Society intended to assist them on that occasion. As to the objects and activities of the Little Theatre Society, it was felt that there were some theatrical fields that were not exploited to the full. For instance there were New Zealand plays, material that as yet had not e been presented. There were such writers as C. R. Allen and Edith Howes, much of whose Work hod not seen the light of day. Then there were the young and untried players who would be given every opportunity to come forward and develop whatever talents they possessed. Getting down to what he described as “ practical politics,” Mr Sinclair said that he considered, that the statement that had appeared in the newspapers recently could'be quite justified. The site, for the theatre had been obtained (it had neither to be bought nor built) on lease. It Would accommodate from 150 to 200 people. Judging from the attendance at this meeting, Mr Sim Clair added that it seemed as if they would soon have to look for something bigger. The theatre was a bare shell at the moment, but offers of valuable assistance had, been received From architects, artists, decorators, signwriters, electricians, caipentcrs, and other very useful people, ft was intended that the Little Theatre should be a “ home away from home.” Quite a number of people very experienced in production and stage management had indicated that they were willing to assist, continued Mr Sinclair. Among these were Miss Madge Yates (who had achieved such an outstanding • success in, the Drama League Festival), Miss Shiela Neilson, and others. The promoters (a word that was not used in a commercial sense, for those responsible for the organisation were actuated by principles of “ Art for Art’s sake ”) had given a great deal of thought and consideration to the matter of the constitution of the society, and, had studied very closely the activities of societies both in the dominion and abroad. It was proposed to establish a board of managemen’ of five male members who would have part in neither performance nor production. (Applause.) The duty of this board would lie in the effective conduct and control of the policies of the society, and under it would be a production committee composed of experts responsible for the casting and production of plays. There would he three classes of members—performing, subscribing, and sustaining. Performing members would be called on to pay an annual subscription of 10s 6d (juniors os), subscribing members £1 Is, and the sustaining members would be those prepared to pay more than £2 2s. Mr Sinclair then traversed in detail the proposed constitution of the society, and, before moving that the constitution should be adopted, emphasised the fact that there was no suggestion that the society was to be run either by or for a few. Mr E. Qriffen seconded the motion, which was carried amidst applause. The incorporation of the society was decided upon on the motion of Mr L. H. Frude, who added that there were to be no salaried officers in the organisation. It had been surprising to note the number of people who were offering their services to further the society. The initial expense had been guaranteed by someone who Would have to remain anonymous in the meantime, and in addition two guarantors had come forward with £2OO in one case and £l5O in the other. Seven producers had already indicated their willingness to give their services without any suggestion of remuneration. Mr Sinclair told the meeting that the constitution provided for the election of a president and two vice-presi-dents, hut it was proposed to give members an opportunity of making these appointments later, and carry on with the board of management until the society had found its feet. Five nominations —those of Messrs Sinclair, Frude, 11. Natusch, R. Rutherford, and E. Murray—were suggested to the meeting and unanimously adopted as the board of management. Mr W. F. Titchener was appointed auditor.