CHILD ACTORS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23707, 14 January 1939, Page 24

CHILD ACTORS

MISSION IN CHINA Thirty hoy and girl war waifs from Shanghai, ranging from six to twelve years of age, have banded themselves together int( a theatrical company known as the Children’s Dramatic Troupe. , „ , Hankow was their first sanctuary, and though they have since had to flee from Hankow, too, they were there long enough to organise themselves into a travelling dramatic company, and, with the help of prominent and experienced actors, who gave them instructions whenever possible, they gave many clever performances in the leading theatre of Hankow before they took to the road. In China it is felt that motion pictures and the stage are the two most effective means of spreading .information and propaganda among the illiterate population in country districts. Owing to lack of equipment, it is ~o longer possible to rely on motion pictures. and the stage, by virtue of its power of gesture, has the greatest advantage in China’s present needs. Every month sees new companies of wandering players on their way to prepare the rural districts for war activities. So, despite their tender years, the.ie little actors are tiny war workers, and, with all .their humble worldly possessions, their stage costumes and properties, such'as they are, strapped in neat bundles on their backs, they have set out on their long journey across China.