DRAMA FOR ALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26442, 22 April 1947, Page 8

DRAMA FOR ALL

Strolling Players Tour Central Otago

-, - Contributed by W. G. .

Last May the idea dawned on a few drama-conscious indiyiduals that they Could serve a worthy cause, gain a wealth of dramatic experience and have lots of fun by-touring Central Otago with Emlyn Williams’s “Night Must Fall.’,’ Rodney Kennedy, tutorproducer for the w;e.A. Drama Group, willingly obliged as producer and stage manager. His ability in designing and arranging the set greatly added to the success of the production. Long after other arrangements were completed the problem of obtaining suitable transport at a reasonable price remained. By some lucky chance we discovered Mr. Gordoij King. Not only his truck, but Gordon himself, proved a lucky find. His interest in drama apd long experience as a stage hand made him a, real At times even the most 'optimistic were inclined to despair. However, with many’, obstacles overcome, but still in doubt as to where we were going to sleep and where, what and when we were going to eat (except for a mid-day meal ordered for each day of a performance) we bravelj' ventured forth.

the road. Although it is hardly fair to discriminate, special tokens of good-will were hot showers for all at Alexandra, and a superbly cooked side of lamb at Hawea Flat. , Stages varying from 10 to 25 feet In width; audiences practically on the footlights; doors so narrow that “Mrs Bramson’s ” chair scraped through with a quarter of an inch to spare; one lighting point on stage, and all other switches at the front door, were only some of the minor problems met. By whatever standard success is judged, whether it consists of a “ good. time being had by all,” r demand by audiences for a further presentation at an early date, or “contributing toward an increasing interest in ‘flesh and blood,’ shows” the Unity Players’ tour of 450 miles in 17 days and nights can be truly awarded a near 100 per cent, success. 1 A few weeks ago a free performance w r as given for the R.S.A, On Monday night a performance was given at Balclutha- to raise funds for the Country Queen, Vincente Major, in the queen carnival promoted for the purpose of subscribing £IOOO toward primary school amenities. The Unity Players believe' that this was their “swan song” with “Night Must Fall.”

Anyone passing . through Harrop street on the morning of December 26 may have been excused for believing that the Joad .family Had arrived in Dunedin. A jalopy whose mudguards, bonnet, rear and roof were hidden by hiattresses, camp-beds and various other equipment, and whose interior was literally filled with human forms chugged away from the Harrop street hall. It was followed by a truck containing chairs, tables, tents, wheel-chair, side-board, stools, as well as men. women and children.' But it was not the Joad family forsaking California. It .vWas irierely Unity Players setting out with “Night Must Fall." From the drawing of the curtain at Milton to the “ curtain * call " at Hyde the tour meandered its way through Miller’s Flat, Hyde, Cromwell, Hawea Flat, Tarras and Lauder, At most places, “standing room only” was the rule rather than the exception when the paranoic Danny (Wilson Gordon), the inhibited Olivia (Peggy Groves), and the “vixenish old woman” (Kay Hewitt) emoted across the footlights. Like most dramatic societies the Unity Players worried little about the tour being a “ financial success," so that when at its end it was found that the income exceeded the expenditure, then Mr Micawber’s observation, “ result, happiness,” seemed appropriate. The aim of the tour as indicated on their programme was:

This, the first tour by a South Island Drama Group, initiates what we believe will be the forerunner of “ Strolling Players ” Groups which in England, have played a vital part in making available to the people the best works of playwrights and encouraging and developing local talent. If we contribute, even in a small way, toward an increasing interest in “flesh and blood” shows then we shall consider our tour successful. The audiences, though varying in their ability to assimilate “ drama," were most appreciative, and it is therefore the desire of the Unity Players to satisfy their sincere requests by playing in their districts again next year. It was rather disconcerting to find in one audience someone who had seen Emlyn Williams act the part of “Danny.” The far-famed hospitality of the Central was evident at every turn of