WORKERS' EDUCATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22402, 24 April 1936, Page 17

WORKERS' EDUCATION

DRAMATIC PROGRAMME PLAY BY LOCAL AUTHOR The Workers' Educational Association's theatre in the Old Grammar School was crowded last night when three one-act plays were presented by its dramatic club in collaboration with the Experimental Theatre. Prominent in an excellent programme was the first public performance of a brilliant impressionistic play, "The Axe and the Oak Tree," bv J. A. S. Coppnrd. The production describes in symbolic fashion the eternal circle of life. Splendid performances by each of the characters, beautifully balanced choral speaking off-stage as a chorus to the action, and excellent grouping effects, enhanced by the simplicity of the lighting and setting, were features of an outstanding production. The play has been entered in the International One-Act Play Society's competition. The opening play on the programme, John Galsworthy's satirical fantasy "Punch and Go," in which he hurls some very barbed shafts at the modern commercial theatre, was also well presented, and the beautiful little play-within-a-play on the Orpheus legend and'the modern world was artistically handled. Very appropriate casting waa a feature of "Woman and War," a play by E. Percy set in the days of the conflict between King Charles and Cromwell, depicting the reactions of war on a group of women of widely differing outlooks, political views, stations and ages. The situations, both humorous and tragic, were well treated by an all-feminine cast. The association's usual custom of preserving the anonymity of the casts and producers was followed, but great credit is due to all concerned in the productions. Owing to the large number who were unable to gain admission, the plays will be repeated to-morrow night.