REPERTORY SOCIAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24417, 1 October 1940, Page 10

REPERTORY SOCIAL

TWO PLAYS AND A READING A presentation of the trial scene from “ The Merchant of Venice ” opened the programme of three oneact plays at the Repertory Society’s social, held in the Concert Chamber last night. Good costuming and careful rehearsal characterised the Shakespearian scene, which had been produced by Douglas Skene. The honours went to C. Russell-Smith for his excellent portrayal of Shylock. It is a rich character part, ranging from arrogance to cringing humility, and he made the most of it, exploiting to the full the opportunities for gesture and for swift changes in inflexion. He was the most powerful figure in .he scene, setting a standard which his opponent, Portia (played by Nana Newey) could not equal, thus robbing the scene of some of its essential balance. Good performances were given by Roland Watson (Antonio), Bernard Sullivan (Bassanio). and Harold Robinson (Gratiano). Minor parts were played by Frank Lanyon (the Duke), Leslie Jack (Salerio), Peggy Griffiths (Nerissa). and Katharine Napier and Norma Dickison. who made decorative pages.

An interesting piece of work which, despite its leavening of comedy, was provocative of thought, was “After the Tempest,’’ by Jeffrey Trease. The piece was produced by Maurice Bellugue. who was also responsible for the effective tropical island setting. The play was not one which gave to the players any particularly outstanding part, though Doris Nees as Lady Martin made the most of hers. Jocelyn Tapley was charmingly competent as Nova, the aviatrix. and others in the cast were Doris Jones (Prudence), Maurice Belluque (Major Tony Martin), and Douglas Lee (Hon, Freddy Fitzrain). It was a Drama Class presentation, Particular interest was attached to the third presentation of the evening since it was the reading of an original play by Mrs Robert Gilkison. “The Question ” has a dramatically sound plot and an effective climax. Adela, one of the guilty parties in the crime which gives the story its origin, had a difficult role to maintain, but she did it with apparent ease. The other members of the cast, who were all convincing, were Frank Lanyon, John Hayward, Leslie Jack, Mina Anderson, and L. Withers. The producer was Ailsa Stephens. Mrs Wakefield Holmes announced during the evening that the recent production of “When We Are Married” had realised the sum of £3OO. which would be handed over to the patriotic fund. In connection with the selling of tickets for this play a prize had been offered, and it had been won by Miss Sheila Macdonald, who had sold 359 tickets. Miss Macdonald came forward and acknowledged the thanks of the society.