MADE-IN-NEW ZEALAND ENTERTAINMENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21647, 18 May 1932, Page 18

MADE-IN-NEW ZEALAND ENTERTAINMENT

In response to the laudable campaign at present being launched, patriotic citizens will, this week in particular, satisfy themselves that every penny they spend will, as far as it is possible, be a direct contribution to the prosperity of onr Dominion, and if this concerted effort is maintained, will insure that the local manufacturer is provided with the Incentive and means to increase the quality of his product and adjust his price to oust competition—the imported article. On a small scale, the production of theatricals can be classed as a local industry, the only distinguishing feature being that the primary object is not that of earning profits. Hundreds of thousands'of pounds arc expended annually by patrons of the theatres, and most of this leaves the Dominion, so when the opportunity to patronise New Zealandmade entertainment is provided at the end of next week by the Dunedin Operatic Society’s production of the musical comedy “The Arcadians,’’ a generous response should be forthcoming as is the spirit of the campaign. The primary object of an Operatic Society is the production of operas, consistent with the training of dangers, coaching in stagecraft, and generally providing an outlet for vocal and elocutionary talents, and if it is successful in this, from an entertainment pqint of view, it has justified Its existence, but more important still to the community is the preference given to local tradesmen and profession and the employment provided by a production, • Approximately £2500 haa been spent in Dunedin in the last 13 months by the Dunedin Operatic Society, of Which sum nearly £IOBO was distributed by way of wages and salaries. Wardrobe and scenery accounts for gome £3OO, and was procured locally. Whilst creating business and thus benefiting the many among whom the business, was distributed, , this plainly shows that in this class of work our own city can more than hold its own, especially in regard to the creating of scenery and designing, and making of period 'and character costumes. Printing and advertising cost the Operatic Society approximately £3lO for the period, whilst the Dunedin City Council for lighting received some £95. Undoubtedly the most striking item is that of wages and salaries, and-it clearly indicates the benefits which accrue from the society’s existence, especially ns many who share these payments are men who have been considerably reduced in circumstances through the advent of the “ vocal Celluloid.”

The theatre-going public is fully aware of the high class entertainments provided at intervals by the local Operatic Society, and in supporting “ A Country Girl ” and “ The Boy ” seasons so wholeheartedly, has made it possible for the society to secure the rights to play “The Arcadians,” and thus advance yet another stop from Its already high pinnacle of achievement.