LOCAL DRAMA

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 269, 28 October 1932, Page 5

LOCAL DRAMA

(By 1

“Prompt.”)

It is understood that a movement is afoot towards the re-establishment of the old Hastings Operatic Society. Should this eventuate it will no douin I prove very popular, and the time I would appear to be propitious, throughout the country there seems to be a decided inclination towards th< amateur stage. Ln the majority of the centres, Little Theatre Societies, Drama Leagues and Operatic Societies are quite active and are meeting with a large measure of public support. That the legitimate stage can hold its own in competition with the “talkies” is proven by the success achieved by the recent professional companies which have been playing in New Zealand. Probably the most important consideration in the production of an Optra to-day is. the reduction of tin overhead expenses, and furthermore, this must be accomplished withoui affecting the quality of the perforin ance. The Waipawa.Play Reading Circle brought a very succtssful season to a conclusion on Tuesday evening. last, when a one-act play by Lady Gregory, was read. During the season the circle has been very active and was successful in carrying off the first prize at the recent Drama League festival. On Friday, November 4, Messrs J. C. Williamson will present Rudolph Besier’s famous play “The Barretts of Wimpole Street.” This play has been a very popular one with Little Theatre Societies and reading circles. The Hamilton Operatic Society had a most successful five-night season with their last production, “The Belle of New York,” and the Dunedin Society propose presenting the same opera at an early date.