Attempt To Bar English Theatrical Companies

Northern Advocate, 5 January 1948, Page 4

Attempt To Bar English Theatrical Companies

SYDNEY, Mon. (2 p.m.)—Australian actors will try to prevent Sydney theatres presenting shows by two visiting English theatrical companies, according to Mr Marshal Crosby, president of the Actors’ Equity. The visiting companies are the Old Vic Company, with Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, and the Mallet Rambert.

"Wc are anxious Cor the Old Vie Company to come to Sydney but we must also |Noted the livelihood of Australian artists." said Mr Crosby. Although less than a month remains before the arrival of the Ballet Rambert. no theatre has yet .been found for it. The Actors' Equity demands that if either company should open in one of the legitimate theatres in Sydney, the Tivoli Circuit management should either employ Australians in 75 per cent of the roles or find full alternative employment for Australian players displaced.

Tivoli management says Hint employment of Australians in cither company is impossible. The Old Vic Company arrives at Fremantle on March 10 and will play for 20 weeks in Australia and New Zealand, spending July and August in tho Dominion. Its repertoire will include Richard HI. Sheridan's School for Scandal, and a modern cor££dy. The Actors' Equity threatens a strike of its members in Melbourne and is prepared to seek support from other theatrical organisations in New Zealand.