DRAMATIC ART

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 6 November 1933, Page 7

DRAMATIC ART

SESSIONS AT HAWERA. VISIT OF MR AND MRS V. LLOYD. Under the auspices of the British Drama League a week-end school of dramatic production, . held at St. Joseph’s Hall in Hawera, has been well attended by members of the dramatic clubs m tlie district. *lhe school was conducted by Mr and Mrs Victor Lloyd, of Wellington. On Saturday evening two of the plays produced at the recent demonstration of drama in Hawera were staged and the work of the artists and the general effects were constructively' criticised by Mr and Mrs Lloyd, and - the members repeated them after hearing the comments of the experts. The plays were “Smoke Screen” and “The Seven Women,” and they were portrayed by the performers who appeared last week. At another session “Touchstone” was presented by the artists who went to Wellington recently, and the experts were very appreciative of the high quality of the acting and makeup and commended them highly. _ Mr Lloyd talked on the question of production generally and make-up of characters, and gave most valuable advice. He also discussed the casting of characters, the choice of plays and the formation of stage properties. He said that the cast was a vital matter for success and that the producers must study the question from all points of view, so as to secure the greatest satisfaction and a cohesion and unanimity among the dramatis personae. The choice of play, he said, was most important, and they should always aim at educating the members of a dramatic club or circle by making a wise and suitable choice. Mr Lloyd also showed the members of the league how stage properties could be built up very economically so as to get the very best results. By a little ingenuity, too, he said a complete set of properties could he made that would serve a number of productions. Mrs Lloyd talked of dresses and costumes and how they could be arranged with a minimum of cost and a maximum of effect-. This aspect of the art was particularly valuable to the ladies and to those who bad charge of the wardrobes. She also gave demonstrations of make-up, with practical advice on faces, eyes and lips and how to get best results. Mr and Mrs Lloyd, who returned to Wellington this morning, were enthusiastic in their appreciation of the -/oal and enthusiasm of all who attended nnd were most appreciative of the kindly hospitality shown to them while in Hawera. Both stressed these two noints when talking to a “Hawera gfar” renresentative before leaving by train. Mr Lloyd said the sessions had been strenuous, but most enjoyable to them both. Mr Lloyd said they re-''o-qmised there "was a great deal of *-alent among members of the league end that this merely needed developing nnd directing along right channels. Mr Lloyd said that the development of drama and dramatic art during the nnst few years had been very remarkable and was in every way to be commended and encouraged.