ONE-ACT PLAYS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22350, 22 February 1936, Page 35 (Supplement)

ONE-ACT PLAYS

CATERING FOR WOMEN There is nothing more ludicrous, except in a very few cases, than a woman attempting to play the role of a man. Features, figure, voice and gesture are all against her, and however courageous her attempt may be, her achievement almost always shows that discretion would, after all, have been the better part of valour. This has been a major problem to be faced by the many women's clubs, and organisations which have taken part in the immense popular revival of the drama,- for when the nature of the club does not allow it to draw upon male talent from outside its precincts, More Woman is very much at the mercy of the playwright. In Muriel and Sydney Box, these thwarted would-be actresses find the answers to their prayers and the solution to their problem, for in their newly-published collection, "Petticoat Plays," as in its predecessor, "Ladies Only," they present Bix one-act plays for all women casts. Happily the virtues of the plays do not stop there, for they are simple in setting, action and costume, and are rich in opportunities for team-work rather than, for individual brilliance. In additional praise, let it be said that the plays offer a wide variety of subject, providing for amateur societies of every kind.

"Martha and Mary" is a moving Biblical sketch with its scene laid m Bethany. "A Marriage has been Disarranged" is a light comedy which will prove especially popular with amateurs. "Anti-Clockwise," a gripping murder mystery, provides yet another contrast, and "Slow Curtain," a drama of stage-life, gives splendid scope for emotional acting. Amateur players, as well as their audiences, always derive a great deal of pleasure frorri costume work, and "Beauty for Sale," the scene of which is laid in a London beauty parlour in 1866, offers golden opportunities for effective dresses and sets. The younger generation of amateur actresses is not forgotten, for the collection concludes with "My Kingdom for a—," a romance which takes place in a finishing school for young ladies. Helpful notes for anlateur producers and players accompany each play, and there is an excellent preface, entitled "The Theatre of To-day and To-morrow," by Fay Compton. With its predecessor, this most useful little collection should find a warm welcome into every women's dramatic circle in the country. "Petticoat Plays," by Muriel and Sydney Box. (Harrap).