WORKSHOP THEATRE

Southland Times, Issue 21732, 18 June 1932, Page 6

WORKSHOP THEATRE

OPENING ON MONDAY. . BRISK DEMAND FOR SEATS. The demand for seats for the opening production of the Workshop Theatre in the Orphans’ Hall suggests that the Invercargill Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society was right in believing that the people of Southland are interested in the founding of a Little Theatre movement which will keep the province in touch with dramatic literature and will encourage the dramatic arts. The Workshop Theatre intends to develop a central unit for provincewide activity, giving the Drama League a more practical impulse than it has had hitherto. On Monday evening four one-act plays will be presented, all of them new to the stage in Invercargill and for them the stage lighting of the Orphans’ Hall has been completely reorganized on modern lines, while special scenery has been painted by Mr T. H. Jenken. These four short plays serve as an introduction of the Workshop Theatre to the public, and later in the season more short plays, at least one full length comedy, and locally written plays will be presented. Public interest has been awakened by the Workshop Theatre’s activity and the booking is an indication of the support the movement can command. The Workshop Theatre has about forty active members, and many supporters outside of its active ranks. Though the accommodation of the hall in Eamslax street is limited it is convenient for such a theatre, because it makes .frequent productions possible because the expense can be curtailed. The opening on Monday night promises to be an event of importance to Southland. The Box Plan is at The Bristol.