CONDITION OF THE THEATRE

Otago Witness, Issue 3972, 29 April 1930, Page 64

CONDITION OF THE THEATRE

DRAMAS OF OTHER DAYS.

LONDON, March 13. Miss Lilian Braithwaite responded to the toast of “The Drama” at the dinner given at the Savoy Hotel to the box office managers and staffs of the London theatres. There were 650 guests present, including many distinguished members of the theatrical profession and well-known society people.

Sir Herbert Morgan, proposing the toast of “The Drama,” said that it was one of the mightiest forces operating today in the interests of civilisation "and humanity. The modern outcries against it was merelj’ a repetition of those "of 25years ago. In spite of criticism and competition, the drama was not in the slightest danger. It would go on from'success to success.

Miss Lilian Braithwaite, responding, said she did so as “ a humble mummer,” very much interested in the condition of the theatre to-day.

“No longer,” said Miss Braithwaite, " is opportunity given for the public to hear or for us, the humble mummers, to give to the public, the beautiful romantic drama, preferably in verse, of other days. There are some of us who regret those days when that kind of drama drew such great crowds to the theatre. , “ Let us hope that poets and dramatists may be born to our great nation who will make it worth while for the managers to risk the production of such plays. The public has not always recognised the worth of the players or of the plays. But taking it all round, the public are pretty good judges,, and the public are our masters.”

When talking or thinking of the " dragon-fly writers among the younger dramatists who flit across the horizon of modern movements,” one was apt to forget that Sheridan did for his own time all that they were doing now. In all ages it had been said that the drama was trembling on the brink of trouble, or that it was dying. “ The drama,” concluded Miss Braithwaite, “is humanity. It is something so deep in the hearts of every one of us, inexpressive nation though we be, that it will survive all criticism and all crises.”