Children's Theatre Movement

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23181, 29 October 1938, Page 20 (Supplement)

Children's Theatre Movement

CAMPAIGN IN LONDON

[from our own correspondent] LONDON, Oct. 15 THREE hundred children are to take part in a spectacular pageant in Lewisham, at the end of this month, which will raise money toward a fund for building their own theatre in the district. A year ago the Lewisham Children's Theatre Guild was founded by Mr. F. H. C. Butler, with the ambitious idea of providing an actual theatre for their many thousands of pupils. Now the guild has over 70 secondary, elementary, central,' technical and private schools interested in its progress. The production of "Groundlings Delight," a pageant of drama from the time of tlio Greeks to tho present day, is the first important event before tho guild launches its campaign lor money for tho theatre. Tho pageant, written and produced by Mr. H. Gell, a local master, incorporates all that tho guild aims at encouraging. It is acted by children for children, the scenery has been designed ana painted by children, and most of the costumes and properties are their o\\-n work. Those who attend the performance will be able to decide whether they think tho work of tho guild is worth while. The guild hopes tto: Stimulate interest in music and drama; develop the individual child-mind and personality; provide training in the use of leisure; encourage clarity of speech; give poise and self-confidence; and to give children better facilities for its production of their own plays. # . These aims will be given reality with the production. A Children's Theatre with, on tho whole, similar aims, has been active in Auckland for the last four years and was recently formed into an incorporated society..