COMMUNITY THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25851, 23 May 1945, Page 6

COMMUNITY THEATRE

APPROVAL OF PROJECT DESIGN OF BUILDING DISCUSSED A decision that a community building with adequate facilities for theatrical and rehearsal work should be established in Dunedin, was carried at a representative meeting of musical, dramatic and cultural organisations held in the mayoral rooms of the Town Hall last night. The meeting was convened by the British Drama League (Otago area), and the president, Mrs J. Sutherland Ross, occupied the chair. The Mayor (Mr D. C. Cameron) attended. There were present approximately 40 representatives of tne following bodies:—The Orphans’ Club, the Y.W.C.A., the Training College, the Otago University Dramatic Club, the Townswomen’s Guild, the Otago University Drama Course, the Otago Women’s Club (Play-reading Circle), the Council of Scottish Societies, the Burns Club, the Otago Pioneer Women’s Memorial Association, the St. Clair Dramatic Club, the St. Clair Women’s Club, the Society of Musicians, the W.E.A Drama Class, the Dunedin Competitions Society, the Dunedin Opetatic Society, the Repertory Society, the Burns Pipe Band, the Kaikorai Band, the Highland Pipe Band, the Navy League, the Leech Lyric Choir and teachers of dancing. The chairman welcomed the delegates and said it was felt that a community building for dramatic and cultural work would be advantageous in the city. His Majesty’s Theatre was too large for many bodies the Concert Chamber was unsuitable for dramatic work, and the Pioneer Women’s Memorial Hall was rather small.

Proposal Endorsed Mr A. C. Stephehs said he thought that some place ought to be provided for the small societies and the teachers of music and dancing. He moved that a community theatre be established. The motion was seconded by Mr E. S. Wilson, and carried. „ , The Mayor said he felt sure that the civic authorities would co-operate with any forward movement in the city. He added that he would welcome any move that would bring the people together and help in keeping them together. With regard to the size and type of the proposed building Mr Wilson said the meeting must look ahead, and it was better to have a place on the large size than one that was too small. In England, he added, most of the private theatres had a seating capacity for 1000 to 1200 persons. A suggestion that the theatre could be erected as a war memorial or as part of a centennial memorial was advanced by Mr E. Griffin. It would not only be a theatre, but also a cultural centre. Mr A. J. Quinn said that the idea of the Repertory Society was a small theatre with seating accommodation for 600 or 700 persons. A Cultural Centre Mrs R. Hannan said the mam thing to guard against was a commercial project. If a large theatre was built it would not serve the purposes of any of the bodies except the Repertory and Operatic Societies. The aim should be something to help and spread culture—an endeavour to make everyone appreciate all the culture that could be given to them. Mr S. Lawn said that the project should be a civic building. It could consist of several halls if necessary. Mr P. W. Stabb said he did not think a commercial theatre would be suitable because of financial difficulties. A large theatre would cost £50,000 or more. It was decided that the project be a theatre, with an approximate seating capacity of 600. and an adjoining hall, with stage attached, to seat 200 persons. On the motion of Mr N. R. Mclsaac, it was decided to set up a committee comprising the Mayor and eight members, with power to add. Those elected were Mrs Hannan, Messrs Arthur Macdonald, E. S. Wilson, A. J. Quinn, E. Griffin, G. A. Douglas. Cole, and Max Scherek. It was decided to call another meeting of the representatives when the committee had a report to make.