Stage Folk to Have Charter

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 520, 24 November 1928, Page 24

Stage Folk to Have Charter

Cleansing Profession The English Stage Guild is about to enter on a campaign to put a ( ! stop to the loose use of the words “stage,” “actor,” and “actress,” which so often brings the theatrical profession into disrepute. They are equally emphatic on the exploitation of notorious persons and criminals by unscrupulous managers, and are to take a firm stand against members of the profession whose craze for the limelight makes them live their private lives in public. Godfrey Tearle, who is a prominent member of the guild, said that this type of person did not represent the real actor or actress. The Stage Guild is the only society open to any person who is connected with the stage, and Mr. Tearle claims that it is the most representative organisation. It has now been decided that it shall apply for a charter, which will give words like “actor,” “actress,” and “stage” as clear a definition as the word “doctor” or “solicitor.” A petition for a charter has already been lodged, and the process of obtaining one is in the hands of the Parliamentary agents.

Maurice Moscovitch, who will soon leave Australia, states that he will return in March, 1930, with a number of new plays. He will look for these on the Continent of Europe, in England and America. After the termination of his present season in Australia Mr. Moscovitch will never again appear in a mystery play. The pieces he will buy for Australia will have substance, and the company he will select will be able to support him in a revival of “The Merchant of Venice.” Another “retirement” goes by the board.