CHILD ACTORS

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 January 1939, Page 8

CHILD ACTORS

MISSION IN CHINA. Thirty boy and girl war waifs from Shanghai, ranging from six to twelve years of age, have banded themselves together into a theatrical company known as the Children’s Dramatic Troupe. Hankow was their first sanctuary, and though they have since had to flee from Hankow, 100. they were I here long enough to organise themselves into a travelling dramatic company, and, with the help of prominent and experienced actors, who gave them in-

I j'tructions whenever possible, they •:gavo many clever performances in the loading theatre of Hankow before they took to the road. I In China, it is felt that motion pic- ■ lures and the- stage are the two most effective means of spreading; information and propaganda among the illiterate population in country districts. Ow- ! mg to lack of equipment, it is no longer possible to roly on motion pictures, j and the stage, by virtue of its power j of gesture, lias the greatest advantage; in China's present need. 1 ;. Every month sees now companies of wandering players on their way to prepare tin- rural d> Uriels for war m-iivi-I ies. So, despite their lender year ', thrse little actors arc* tiny war we/kers. 'and. with all their humble worldly, l possessions, their stage costumes and; properties, such as they are, strapped in neat bundles on their backs, they have set out on their long journey across China.