THE STAGE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8180, 23 July 1912, Page 7

THE STAGE

DRAMATIC WORK IN THE COLONIES.

Discussing things theatrical yesterday, Mr Brio Mason, who is nightly pleasing theatregoers with his work in the title role of "Ben Hur," spoke confidently of the future of the Shakespearian plays in tho Australasian, colonics. Probably his connection with Mr H, B. Irving's successful tour may have influenced his i udgment somewhat, for success goes a long way towards forming favorable impressions of audiences, but ho pictured the time when Australia would coma more into line with London, in the establishment of a permanent theatre for the production oi tho great English tragedies and comedies. It lias been said that "Shakespeare spells ruin," but Hr \M.axon does not hold to this view, in the light of tho actors' rewards on tho Homo stage, while recent productions in Australia —and in this comment ho Includes Now Zealand—have shown that audiences here are not wanting in appreciation of tho masterpieces of the old playwrights. He has found in the to lonics a large public that really studies, tho literature oi tho drama, and is, indeed, critical to tho finest point. This he regards as an encouraging sign, for the actor, himself conversant with the traditions of famous parts, likes to feel that hia efforts are being closely and critically observed. . . Thero is in the colonies, in Mr Maxon s opinion, groat opportunity for tho actor who has something good to place before tho public. Tho people are ardent lovers of the theatre, and when, one came to consider tho sparse populations compared vith thoso of tho old world centres and America, it was remarkable the way in which they supported the stage. We were fortunate in getting much of tho Lest material that the playwrights lay Home and abroad had to oficr, and he thought tho productions compared very favorably indeed with thoso in London. The colonial public, as a matter of fact, had been educated to a high standard in theatrical matters, and nothing but tho best was now acceptable. The result was that the people were catered for in a manner that was surprising, when one considered the question of distance, and tho enormous expense involved in bringing out to the colonies tho “star" attractions.

Mr Maxon played for several years with Mr 11. B. Irving in England, and at the conclusion of his present engagement with the "Ben Bur" company, covering a period of about twelve months, he has an offer to return to Mr Irving’s company. His future movements, however, will largely depend upon tho outlook of tho Australian theatrical world at the close of this tour. Mr Mason, who has been twelve years on the stage, started his career with Cyril Maude in ■"The Second in Command." Then ho was for some years with Benson, playing the juvenile leads. These included Orlando and Borneo, and ho also played Cassius in "Julius Caesar" and Prince Jlal in “Henry 1V..” Falconbridge in "King John'' and Hotspur. He has a strong preference for Shakespeare, and hopes ono day to appear ns Shylofcfc in ‘‘The Merchant of Venice," a new reading of tho part to which ho is devoting some study.