AN UNUSUAL PLAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21562, 5 August 1933, Page 9 (Supplement)

AN UNUSUAL PLAY

THE STORY OF LUCRECE A play with an unusual technique is " Lo Viol do Lucrece," by Andre Obey, which has been ably translated by Mr. Thornton Wilder. Tho two principal characters are the " narrators," both of whom wear masks. Tho First Narrator is a woman and interprets the viewpoint of Lucrece, while the Second is a man and speaks for Tarquin. At times their function resembles that of the Greek chorus, at times that of the Greek messenger, and yet again at times it is something different from either. . Fractioally the whole of tho story is told by other than the chief participants—by two soldiers, Lucrece's maids, Valerius, and the narrators. For example, when Tarquin arrives at. Collatine's house his conversation with Lucrece is carried on in dumb show and is interpreted to the audience by tho narrators. Tho maids also comment on Tiirquin's conduct. In tho scene in Lucrece's chamber tho stage contains eight columns arranged in a semicircle. Tarquin enters at one side and hesitatingly winds his way in and out of these columns. From the Second Narrator tho audience learns that Tarquin is passing from his own chamber a number of closed doors to Lucrece's. Tarquiu's thoughts both before he» leaves his chamber and while on his way to Lucrece's are likewise interpreted by tho Second Narrator. Tho play certainly provides plenty of scope for the experimental theatre and for tho producer who likes trying his hand at something out of tho ordinary, but whether is has sufficient action to make it a dramatic succors is doubtful. In writing his play Obey took as his sourcf) Shakespeare's poem. Lucrece," translated by Thornton Niven Wilder, from "Lo Viol <le Lucrecc," by Andro Obey. (Longmans.)