THE REPERTORY SOCIETY

Southland Times, Issue 23142, 8 March 1937, Page 2

THE REPERTORY SOCIETY

ANNUAL REPORT A YEAR OF PROGRESS “At the beginning of the season we faced a difficult situation because the society had lost the guiding influence of Mr J. J. W. Pollard, but when left to their own resources menjbers realized their responsibilities, and in many ways the organization of the society was strengthened because members .found that they had to rely on their own efforts for success,” says the annual report of the Invercargill Repertory Society. “The committee has held thirteen meetings during the year. On Miss Nicholson’s return from England she was appointed to the committee. When Mrs Mclnnes resigned, Miss Enderby and Miss Hoyles were appointed. It was decided at the beginning of the season that one-act productions should be staged at social evenings, and eight of these evenings have been held. The society is indebted to Mrs Palmer for her assistance at the beginning of the season, and the evenings proved so successful that larger quarters had to be found, and the society moved to H. and J. Smith’s tea rooms. “Fourteen one-act plays were presented, one play was read, and there was one lecture. It is felt that every effort should be made to encourage these evenings, because they keep members in touch with the society’s activities, and they prove valuable training for the acting members. Four three-act plays were presented in the Victoria Hall—“ The White Blackbird,” produced by Miss Cran on June 5, 6 and 8; “The First Mrs Fraser,” produced by Mrs Mclnnes on August 8, 10 and 11; “The Devil’s Disciple,’ produced by Mr A. R. Dunlop on October 10, 12 and 13; and “Night Must Fall,” produced by Miss Nancy Nicholson on November 21, 23 and 24. During the year an interchange of visits took place with the Gore Repertory Society. “The number of productions would show that the society is in a healthy state of activity, and it is to be hoped that members .will work together to make this year even more successful. The main lesson to be learnt from last season’s working is that we must aim at a membership of at least 200. With this membership we need not be so hampered in our choice of plays by financial consideration. This number should be well within our reach as we began the 1936 season with 79 members and closed the season with 145 members.

“The committee feels that the society should endeavour to build up a library of plays and Mr Slater has undertaken the duties of librarian. The committee has spent £7 in ordering plays from England, and these should arrive in the near future. The Orphans Club has given us the use of a room at its hall as a library and store room for properties, and this is now ready for use. During the year the society lost by the death of Mr A. F. Grenfell one of its most valued members, and we wish to place on record our appreciation of his work.”