LIGHT AND BRIGHT

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 92, 9 July 1927, Page 21

LIGHT AND BRIGHT

The Soviet Government has decided to abolish the theatre as a source of amusement, and to establish in its place “the agitational theatre.” A special conference was held at Moscow to prepare a plan of campaign, and the delegates were addressed by Lunacharsky, the Commissar of Education, who stated: “To-day we must do everything to make the theatre a part of revolutionary society. Our aim must be achieved fully. The theatre, or, at least, its basis, must become in the highest sense of the word, a mighty agitational weapon of the workingclass.” Members of the conference propose to forbid the staging of all pre-revolutionary plays, including Shakespeare.

“The Cassilis’ Engagement” to be staged for a season of three nights, beginning on July 12, concerns the engagement of a son of the nobility to a working girl. The plot is skilfully woven. Mrs. Cassilis, whose son is engaged to the rather commonplace young woman, arranges that the two young people shall see as much of each other as possible, and invites the girl and her mother to stay in the country. This gives the players a wonderful opportunity for comedy work. Naturally the engagement can never be a success. The reason why is worth a visit to the Concert Chamber, where the comedy will be produced by the Little Theatre Society.