JAMES BARRIE EVENING

Taranaki Daily News, 12 June 1930, Page 3

JAMES BARRIE EVENING

W.E.A. PLAY-READING GROUP. Despite the bad. weather a fair audience gathered at Whiteley Hall, New Plymouth, last evening to hear readings from Sir James Barrie’s works and a lecture on his life and message. Mr. A. M. Mac Diarmid opened with a reading in dialect from “A .Window in Thrums,” which was much appreciated. . Mr. J. A. Brailsford, tutor-organiser for the W.E.A., then spoke on “What is Success: Barrie’s Plays as Parables.” He gave illustrative passages from “The Will,” “The Admirable Crichton,” and other works, showing that, while Barrie attacked with keen satire the worship of the false god Success, he held out hope for all, and had a special regard for simple working, folk. An excellent reading of “The Twelvepound Look,” was given by members of the New Plymouth group. Miss Gibson read the part of Kate (Harry Sims’ divorced wife) clearly and with an appreciation of the delicate satire. Miss D. N. Allan gave a fine interpretation of the part of Mrs. (soon to be Lady) Sims, and her enunciation could, hardly have been improved upon. Mr. E. W. Robbins took the part of Harry, with great spirit. Further readings are being arranged.