ENGLISH NATIONAL THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23332, 26 October 1937, Page 10

ENGLISH NATIONAL THEATRE

What we plead for is a theatre Which can afford to give its support to modern work, to the revival of past work, not necessarily classical, to the presentation of foreign masterpieces, and, on the stage-craft side, to experiment in production and scenery—or absence of scenery, says Miss Edith Lyttelton, writing in The Times on the aims of the National Theatre to be established in London. There, is another point. Besides the plays, often of great beauty and distinction, which by their very nature do not appeal to large sections of the theatregoing public, and so are not commercial propositions, there are quantities of plays which drop undeservedly into oblivion after their long runs are over. Many such could be added to the repertory of a National Theatre and be presented from time to time, to the great advantage of both stage and audience. In fact, every flattering description of the Old Vic is an argument in favour of an endowed National Theatre.