"THE INSECT PLAY"

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23595, 3 September 1938, Page 19

"THE INSECT PLAY"

AN UNUSUAL DRAMA LEFT BOOK CLUB'S PRODUCTION Can the dust of a Leftist To-day become the earth of a Rightist Tomorrow? And can the dust of the Leftist answer, by ingenious manipulation,, be turned into something not so dusty? Asking Dr Findlay's leave, and taking the opportunity : of congratulating him on a highly-impres-sive and diverting production, one is tempted to encroach for a moment on his province in order to get a better look at one's own. The reason is the presentation last night in the Y.W.C.A. Hall by the Left Book Club of the Capek brothers' drama, "The Insect Play." At what point, one might ask him in European, or perhaps he prefers to regard it as world history, retrospectively considered, does the heart-rending become-the absurd. One is tempted to suggest that a great deal of inspired instruction is required before the sentimental propaganda of "The Insect Play" becomes the gospel of the day. Its acceptance, might one dare to suggest, depends on three factors —how old one is, the merit of the play's radicalism weighed in the fashion of the day; and its absolute merit. The value of the play would seem to be determined almost by the prophetic nature of its text. The troubled world of 1938 gives almost the impression of butterflies and ants, flies and parasites at war with each other, and it is not difficult in such times to question ths absolute merit of the past, and to give undue emphasis and credit to the promises of the future. But even the most Leftist partisan in these days may be pardoned for questioning the Czechoslovakian views jf the Capek brothers which appear to be so diametrically opposed to those principles upon which British policy has been immolating itself for the past decade. Central Europe may jibe at the collective efforts of a world at bay, to avert disaster, but neither the Left Book Club nor any world organisation can suggest by the dissemination of literature or the production of plays that even yet the world is being left desolate. No one knows better than the Eng-lish-speaking world the horrors of war or its futility, but no good lesson ever lost anything by repetition, but if the Left Book Club, with its interpretation of the Czechoslovakian dramatists' play, can direct attention to the internal strifes that affect democratic countries, without reiterating the dangers' of international conflict which spell war, then it is performing a service that cannot well be denied. One is inclined to suggest that greater attention, however, might be paid to such internal disorders and less emphasis laid upon a problem concerning which the public mind seems to be more than ever seized. "The Insect Play" is without doubt a theatrical experience, but it may be suggested that it is a type of propagandist theatricalism which is less necessary in these days than something which directs attention to the internal issues which face all democratic countries to-day. There can be no question that the play was admirably produced. The sets were cunningly contrived, and all of them conveyed a great deal of what the players should have expressed. With £0 extensive a cast, however, it was only to be expected that severaJ of the characterisations would be les? than adequate. With so much symbolism it is difficult to rely entirely upon amateur talent, but since Dr Findlay had to depend upon such resources the final result can only be described as creditable. The prologue and the epilogue were both effectively treated. Mr Hunter Boyes presented the tramp most vividly, and the scene between the woodcutter and his wife, Mr S. Ikin and Mis,s Lorna Boyes. was clear cut and impressive. Miss Sybil Henderson was the best of the Butterflies. She gave meaning and colour to her lines and acted her part bosides. Miss Mercia Pagonis. as Clytie had as many opportunities, but used them less. Mr Hamilton Parker was hardly convincing, but he was better than either Mr Bon O'Reilly or Mr Frank Powell. Miss Ruby Bullens Chrysalis could have been more dominant in her dormant moments, but finale was well executed. The Beetles (Mr S. Ikin. ML:s Margaret Hunter and Mr Hamilton Parker) were very good, and the Ichneumon Fly (Mr Ron O'Reilly) and his daughter (Miss Pagonis) were better than in their previous characterisations. Mr Keith Sheen made a better Mr Crictet than a Lepidopterist. and Miss Phyllis Jones was a good Mrs Cricket. Mr Jack Hannan's Parasite was nicely done, and there were several beautifully-etched studies among the ants. The Blind Timekeeper. (Miss Sybil Henderson) maintained her role well, even after the centre of interest had shifted from her and the rest of the ants created the warlike atmosphere perfectly. They were Mr Leo Fowler. Mr O'Reilly. Mr Hamilton Parker and Mr Frank Powell, with Miss Lorna Boyes and Miss Loft Grave as a journalist and a philanthropist respectively Mr Rodney Kennedy, who. by the way, was responsible for most of the sets, was suitably self-effacing as a snail, in which humble task he was assisted by Mr Keith Sheen. "The Insect Play" will be presented again in the Y7W.C.A. Hall this eveni ins.