ONE-ACT PLAYS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24620, 30 May 1941, Page 6

ONE-ACT PLAYS

MR OWEN FLETCHER’S WORK A SUCCESSFUL EVENING It requires courage to go adventuring in repertory in such a repertory-minded city as Dunedin. But Mr Owen Fletcher is a young writer, producer, and player who has courage. That he also has a promising measure of ability was demonstrated in the Concert Chamber last evening, when he presented four one-act plays from his own pen in such a manner as to interest thoroughly an audience which was both a recognition of his own growing standing and an appreciation of the purpose to which the performance was devoted—the Otago Provincial Patriotic Funds. It was a miserable evening out of doors, but the hall was well filled, and Mr Fletcher’s adventure was a gratifying success. It was evident from the first presentation, a phantasy titled “I Remember You,” that this young author has imagination and a flair for delineating his tales crisply. There was scope fof criticism in this as well as the other plays, which was only to be expected: but in the main they were interesting and effective. The setting for this phantasy, an unusual conception of reward for faithfulness framed in a rather bizarre design, helped considerably towards the effect. Margaret McLay, as the young woman torn by doubts of herself, carried the main burden of the story, and jjesile Jack. Winifred Comer. Doris Nees, Myra McKechie, and James Haleis all helped in an atmospheric little piece. Then there was a prettily-staged mime ballet, ” Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” in which Jocelyn Tapley made an attractive Goldilocks, and Joyce Rowley danced charmingly in the most effective moments of an elaborate but thoroughly harmonious arrangement. The, mice family, the three bears, Prince Charming, forest sprites, and people of the forest all mingled in a cheerful " all-lived-happily-ever-after ” story. Entitled ” Gentlemen of the Ballet,” a comedy with a ballet background provided an opportunity for some excellent work by Grace Douglas. The background was traditional In that it was based on the notorious penchant of ballet stars for “ temperament.” and the chief role, that of the old teacher, Maria Sstipa 11, was probably the best-sustained performance of the evening. In support of Mrs Douglas, Trixie Stevenson vas competently in character as the waning star, but Edward J. Neilson, the young rival for celebrity, and Mr Fletcher himself as the Jealous master of the ballet, were not so convincing.

The most successful piece of the evening was introduced as a New Zealand comedy in one act. “ Friendly Relations," a well-named and most amusing interlude. A cast headed by C. R. Smith and Selina Glnnvlll. the farmer and his wife. Billie Loan, who made the most of the very countrified daughter, and Alice Clarke, the up-to-date relation from America, played it briskly and brightly, and the good sprinkling of smart lines was given admirable emphasis. Hawdon Burnard, (he son of the house with big ideas, completed the cast, but it was the confident playing of Miss Loan and Miss Clarke which mainly helped the play into the hearty approval of the audience.

For a young author and producer working with a cast for the most part young and inexperienced, the whole evening must be considered an encouragement to more interesting work after the war