THE SEARCH FOR "STARS"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22214, 14 September 1935, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE SEARCH FOR "STARS"

COMING FESTIVAL OF DRAMA BY JOSEPHINE BLIGH "Isn't she marvellous? I really think they should raise funds and send her to Hollywood!" This remark, overheard at an amateur dramatic performance, set me wondering which of the players could possibly be the prospective "star" in question, and —when the end of the evening found me still unenlightened—set me also wishing for those interesting and helpful criticisms which follow all the plays presented during a Drama League festival. To listen first to a play and then, while the performance is still fresh in the mind, to a criticism immediately afterwards, is a form of entertainment which is both interesting and unique; and to judge from the numbers and variety of the entries received, this year's competitions should provide Auckland with some novel amusement. Admittedly some of the amusement is not altogether legitimate and is inclined to intrude where a tear was meant to fall, but this, though unfortunate for the performers, seldom detracts from the enjoyment of the audience. The expert's judgment, which falls not only upon the players, but also upon the production and stage management, is awaited with impatient curiosity, for as the play proceeds, each member of the audience has formed in his own mind his own opinion. The criticism is always fair and accepted with nothing but satisfaction by players and audience.

Since there are at present some twenty-six plays in the throes of rehearsals, it is not surprising that there are so many Auckland citizens carrying around mysterious looking documents which, when opened up in trams, 'buses and other means of transport, prove to be "parts." These, together with a vacant expression on the face and a slight St. Vitus' dance movement of the lips, indicate the fact that the reader is about to enter his or her histrionic talent for the annual competitions, and time is, therefore, too valuable to be wasted. At home where the style is a little less cramped, line learning is more realistic. To come suddenly upon a member of the household gesticulating wildly and making all kinds of faces at himself in n mirror, or wandering from room to room talking sadly, bitterly, jestingly or passionately to wallpapers and pieces of furniture, is at first slightly unnerving; but when the Drama Festival is in the offing one realises that one must bo surprised at nothing. Nor must one complain if the all-important rehearsals upset the routine of the household, or mind if "Lines" intrude so much into the family life that the cat serenades his loved 0119 with them in the wee small hours. In spite of nervousness, uncontrollable knees, and fear of missing cues, there are few who do not find in playacting plenty of adventure and fun. There is a glamour over anything theatrical which makes oven the most arduous rehearsals enjoyable, while the "night" itself, with its grease-paint, stage clothes and general air of bustle and excitement, is a thrilling climax. Moreover, romance with its little intrigues and jealousies, is always lurking in the background. There is an atmosphere similar to that of a sea voyage upon which love seems to flourish, _ and thoilgh it may be equally brief, it is no less sweet while it lasts. Since it is the secret ambition of so many of the youth and beauty of the city to skip off to Hollywood, Elstree or other glamorous centres of film production, there to reach the dizzy heights of stardom, there will doubtless be some hopeful aspirants about to make their debut at next week's festival.