THE LITTLE THEATRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20601, 27 June 1930, Page 16

THE LITTLE THEATRE.

Sir, —The letters which have been recently appearing about the plays which are being produced by the Little Theatre Sotciety are a heipful sign, as they show that a vital interest is being taken by the members at large in the work of the producer and the committee. To be really valuable, however, the critics who are demanding that other plays should be produced should make their criticism constructive by suggesting definite authors and titles which should be added to our list. Roy A. Ldppincott.

Sir, —I have read with interest the letters of " Stallite" and " Loyal Member," but I question very much if their views are representative of the majority in* inferring that the members do not want the Wilde play. These two correspondents are doubtless affected with the modern mania for novelty—something new —something that has not been done before. That is not the main business of a repertory theatre. Certainly, new plays should be presented, and a glance over the plays, produced during the life of the Little. Theatre Society convinces one that it has not failed in that respect. But more important than the production of merely new plays is the production of plays that are worth while, and have among other qualities distinct, literary merits. What could be more brilliant than the subtle dialogue of "The Importance of Being Earnest" T About a year ago there were complaints of the society's offerings being morbid, gruesome or too fantastical. "You cannot please all the people all the time." The Little Theatre is on the right lines in trying to satisfy the varied tastes of its many members, provided always that the plays are worth while. We can rest assured this will be so. Another Member. Sir, —Mr. McCallum has no difficulty in establishing the Little Theatre's choice, "The Importance of Being Earnest," as a repertory play. Nevertheless, "Stallite" represents the feeling of a considerable section of members in expressing disappointment with that choice. It is not that members disapprove of pleasant repertory plays, but that they disapprove of this particular play, because it has been performed with credit by many local societies for the past 20 years. Surprisingly enough, it is one of the easiest plays to afford amateurs a tolerable measure of success. It should be remembered, however, that committees in search of plays for public performance are faced with innumerable difficulties. No one who has not tried it can realise their full extent. It is a very different thing reading a play in the study from sitting down to cast and produce it. It is with regret that another tendency of the Little Theatre's is noticed, its fondness for belitting the work of kindred societies. The initial work of the late Herbert J. Bentley established the society so firmly in public favour that it can afford to be above tactics which are in questionable taste. Paragraphs, whose source of inspiration is perfectly well known, have appeared from time to time, casting little sneers at the work of "wellintentioned amateurs," and assuming that the repertory movement began in Auckland with the advent of the present controlling officials. It would be easy to be satirical in reply, but it is not my purpose to make a breach. Rather would I emphasise the very great help which many members of 'he Little Theatre committee have rendered to fellow and smaller societies} rightly recognising that herein lies an excellent breeding ground for that interest in the drama which has made the society's undertaking so successful. So many peoplo find it possible to take pleasure in the performances of two or oven threo societies that there is nothing to bo gained by foolish antagonism. W. 11. Graham.