DRAMA FESTIVAL

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 1 November 1933, Page 6

DRAMA FESTIVAL

SOUTH TARANAKI INSTITUTES ONE-ACT PLAYS PRESENTED. INAUGURAL FIRST NIGHT St. Joseph’s Hall, Hawera, was well filled last evening when the South Taranaki group of Women’s Institutes opened its first festival of drama with a programme of five one-act plays. The purpose of the festival is to assist in development of the art of the stage among institutes, and to promote a higher standard of dramatic appreciation among members. During the evening the appointed critics (Messrs W. S. “'Gibson and C. Harrison in conjunction) watched proceedings from a dais hi tlio body of the hall and afterwards addressed the audience from the stage. In their opinion a considerable degree of individual ability and a comparatively high standard of work generally was evident among the players, but one common fault was the “lightness” in voice and manner of practically every male impersonation. They considered that while the Women’s .Institutes wore essentially for women, the brothers and husbands of members might with advantage assist in strengthening tlieir future dramatic work. The appeal of one very line play was lost through too frequent prompting from the wings. Players forgot their lines and there was evidence of insufficient time and attention given to rehearsal. The work of the Institutes generally in dramatic art and the deep interest and enthusiasm of members were commended.

The festival will conclude this evening with tsie presentation of five further plays, which include: “Mr John”. (Whareroa), “I’m Sorry— It’is Out” (Patea), “Cat’s Claws” (Okaiawa), “Smoke Screens” (Turi Township), and “Me and My Diary ’ (Turuturu). Arrangements for the festival were supervised bv an executive committee consisting of Mr.s T. J. Allan" (convener), Miss E. Free (secretary), Mrs H. J. Webber (treasurer) and Mesdames E. Carter 7 Irwin Jones, A. McAjsey, A. Appleyard, J. Crosbie and W. H. James (committee). Valuable assistance was given “behind the scenes” by Messrs W. G. Simpson (stage manager) and H. J. Webber (assistant stage manager) and Miss D. Bryant and Mr R l . S. All.wright (m awe-up artists). Doors were supervised by Messrs G. Chuck, F. Kendall and A. W. Lawn. The overture “Banner of Victory” was played by an orchestra which eonsifted of Mrs A. K. Fyson (piano), Miss Kathleen Fairhall and Miss N. Elliott (first violins), Mrs R. Brewer and Miss A. Page (second violins) and Mesdames A. Corrigan and R. A. Graham (’cellos). Ehtr’aote numbers and incidental music also were contributed throughout the .stage performances. The plays were presented in the following order -■ - “THE BRIDE”

Played by members of the Filth am Institute. The Bride Mrs Valentine Bridesmaid Miss Hillmer The Maid Miss L. Carman Madame Grace Mrs: Langston Mrs Irving Mrs El. Carter Miss iSoafrow ... Mrs Valentine senr. A. story told in a handsoniely-appoint-ed bedroom setting v of wedding preparations and the consternation caused by the disappearance of the bride’s costly gown : of lier feelings towards the man she is to marry and of her love for another. The critiosi were of the opinion that the play for periorihance by women was exceedingly well chosen and well acted. Enunciation was good and the characterisation of Miss Sparrow was most creditable, full justice being done to the comedy parts. A fair performance was given by the bride, while the bridesmaid was responsible for some good action, although her entrance and opening remarks could have been improved. Madame Grace acted the part

of tlio distressed gown specialist to advantage, although she might have shown a .little more excitement. Despite the handicap of a severe cold, Mrs Carter played excellently in her portrayal alt hough with a. tendency to use her bands more than necessary..

“A BIT OF HELP.” Played by members of the Mangatoki institute. Tom Kugclen Mrs O. Davies. Anil (bis wife) Miss -G-. Beech. Dick (their son) Miss EL Beech. 'Mary Moorland (adopted daughter) ... Miss I. Carlson. A farmhouse kitchen scene and a “love match’’ between the two young people encouraged by their elders with the aid of valihtihes and posies ot violets and snowdrops. “A dialect play such as this is one of the most difficult to produce ” said the critics, “and rather an ambitious work for what, evidently, is a first attempt.” In many instances the players dropped their dialect. !ne male parts were too lightly cast, but in the circumstances a creditable performance was given. the critics expressed the opinion tllat ill a play ot this class the women might well be assisted by men. “ALT; FOB, LOVE OF SUSAN’’ Played by members of the Normanby Institute. Ernest Barrington ... Miss E. Norfolk. Billings Miss V. Allan. Tobias Puddicombe ... Miss Z. Rogers. Mrs. Puddicombe Miss E. Tree. Ethel Miss J. Allan. Alphonse Petitpois Miss F.. Gane. Maclaine (his English wife) ... Miss H Franklyri. A story told in Mr. Barrington’s flat of a comedy of errors and. the strange entanglement of four “love a flairs.” This, in the opinion of the critics, was a good play well clone. The male parts, however, were too light and the make-up in the case ot these characters not suitable. Alphonse was an excellent Trench characterisation. The team work was good throughout, the grouping excellent ! v/ith' the possibility of even further improvement if the furniture had been ( placed further back on the stage.

“FOLLOWERS.”

(By Harold Rehouse.) Played by members of the O'kniawn Institute. Lucinda Raines ... Miss \\. Oluneld. Helen Masters Miss L. Mortimer. Susan Crowther Miss D Hood. Colonel Uedfern ... Miss M. Lindsay. This, a period scene (18/59) in the parlour of Miss Lucinda Raines, was indeed a pretty picture when the curtain rose, said the critics. The stage setting was distinctly pleasing and Susan, the maid, looked very much the part and carried it through with evenness. Helen possessed one of the host voices heard that evening, and when action was required her move-, meats were good. Lucinda was not so faithfully represented, and the opinion was that the respective players of Helen and Lucinda should have changed parts. Colonel Redfern was the best male impersonation of the session. The play was well-dressed and if it naCi oeen well-rehear.se.d it would have been an excellent show. “THE KNOW-IT-ALL WOMEN’S CLUB.” Played by members of the Tawliiti Institute. Mrs. Wisdom Miss JBallantyne. Mrs. Pusher Miss Young. Mrs. Chilton Miss Peppered. Mrs. By-Laws Mrs. Parker. Miss Antequate Miss M. Ogle. Mrs. Lorgnette Mrs. Dick. Mrs. Manly Mrs. Pepperell. Miss Annual Mrs. Walker. Mrs. Phila.it Thorpe Miss Wyatt. Mrs. Would-be Miss E. Ogle. Mr Penman (the reporter) Miss Appleyard. Mary Ann (the boss) Mrs. Hall. Dr. Molly Cule Miss Easton. An impression of a meeting of strangely-assorted types of women and their gossip. All were move or less versed in worldly affairs and convinced as to their absolute independence ot “mere man”—until a. mouse appears. In the opinion of the critics an ex-

cellent performance resulted, in which it was impossible to single out any one character more successful tlian another. . At tlie conclusion of the session Mr. Simpsoii thanked the audience for its support and. tlie gathering dispersed after the singiiig of the National Antllem.