COMMUNITY DRAMA

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19568, 15 August 1933, Page 2

COMMUNITY DRAMA

THIRD NIGHT OF SEVENTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL. Another capacity house filled the Scottish Hall last night for the continuation of the South Canterbury Drama League's seventh annual festival of community drama. Four plays were presented, revealing commendable work on the part of the players. “In the Zone.” The first play was Eugene O’Neill's “In the Zone,” presented by the Timaru Catholic Dramatic Club’s “B” team. The scene of this particularly gripping play represented the seamen’s forecastle of a British tramp steamer loaded with ammunition. The ship had reached the war zone and it was about ten minutes to twelve one autumn night in 1915. The sailors, men of all nationalities, beginning to realise the danger of their position, became nervous and suspicious. Their actions centred round Smitty, an educated Englishman. A play full of the elements of tragedy and set in an atmosphere of tenseness and suspicion. The action of the play moved without anything like hesitancy. The setting accurately depicted the theme of the story and the atmosphere of the forecastle was created with commendable effectiveness. Taken altogether, the production revealed a fine piece of team work. Davis, the leading seaman, was perfectly depicted with his rawness and yet concern for the safety of the ship. Round him the movement of the play was carried by a capable cast. The role of Driscoll was well sustained, particularly the consuming fear that haunted most of the seamen. A natural touch was given the part of the seamen with a suggestion of the American accent, while, the role of Scotty was well maintained. The air of secretness was maintained by Smitty, whose obvious superiority created suspicion in the minds of his fellow seamen. The lesser important characters were well depicted. The play was a trifle lacking in conviction in the final stages, which rather spoilt the effectiveness of the production which otherwise was most commendable.

“ When the Whirlwind Blows.” The Geraldine “Good Companions” “A” team gave “When the Whirlwind Blows,” by Essex Dane. The scene was set in the kitchen of Josepha’s cottage situated in the country near a town of minor importance in a district in any European country in the throes of political and labour struggles and upheavals. The workers had arisen and threatened to overwhelm the country and overthrow the ruling classes. Josepha, an old retainer of General Androya’s family, was terrified lest her son Oswald had been taken and shot by the Government party. Anna, with whom Oswald was in love, came in with news of the rising and of the work done to help the Government. In the midst of this Madame Androya, on her way to join the General, demanded admission for her horse had cast a shoe. She had with her a valuable list of names for her husband and when she realised she was a prisoner she hid it by wrapping it round the base of the candle in the lantern, so that it might not fall into the hands of the rebels. Later, though she betrayed herself by glancing anxiously at the lantern as Anna was about to take it on her way to some neighbours. This is a play making immense demands on a rather small cast. It nevertheless lends itself to intensely dramatic moments and works up to a most convincing climax. Generally speaking the players created the atmosphere which gave the play a strong emphasis. All the roles were capably maintained. The central role of Madame Elizabeth Androya was in splendid hands. The lines were well spoken and the character given a most convincing interpretation. In the very telling moments the intensely dramatic character of the part was emphasised. The role of Josepha, tragic mother of Oswald, was most capably handled, and a studied piece of acting added much to the success of the production. Quite a virile touch was given the role of Anna, disloyal mafft to Madame Androya. Here again the team work was excellent, and save only for a little failure to put the voices across, the work of the players was up to a fairly high standard. “ Barren.” An Irish play, "Barren,” by Constance Powell-Anderson, was presented next by the Timaru High School Old Girls’ Association. The scene was the kitchen of a cottage in County Donegal. Mrs Dolan is obsessed by that fanatical devotion to her own bit of land, so characteristic of the Celtic peasantry. Nothing will persuade her to leave it, barren though it may be, for to forsake the land would bring bad luck. Bridget is torn between her duty to her old mother on one hand, and her own feelings, and the desire to get away from the loneliness and desolation on the other. This was one of the most capably produced plays of the festival; moreover, the play was perfectly cast. The setting was effective, though perhaps a little too prosperous looking. An almost striking contrast was produced between the mother and daughter. The role of Mrs Dolan was interpreted almost to perfection. There were no departures from the language of the land of the Shamrock. Not for once did the old mother allow the land to lose its all-embracing grip on her affections. Expressive gesture and modulation of voice were used to give correct emphasis to the role. The part of Bridget was portrayed most capably, although perhaps the voice was sometimes allowed to lose that unculturedness that was associated with such a family. Nevertheless, the suggestion of tragedy that was literally consuming the life of Bridget, was woven round the interpi<etation of the role. The part of Kitty, the niece, was played with vivacity and effectiveness, while the characters of the country postman with a kindly interest in the people in the houses at which his business took him, was given a touch of perfect naturalness. Altogether a very fine piece of dramatic endeavour. Hobson's Choice. The Orari Readers “B” team presented Act I. of Harold Brighthouse's “Hobson’s Choice.” The scene of the play was in Hobson's boot shop, the period being from 1880-1890. The play describes how Hobson, an overbearing father, is subdued by his most capable daughter Maggie. In the first act, Willie Mossop, one of Hobson’s workmen, not naturally stupid but brutalised by hardship, who had never dreamt of claiming his rights, under the influence of Maggie, asserted himself and turned on his persecutor. The play makes considerable demands on one or two of the players. The outstanding piece of dramatisation was given the role of Willie Mossop. In this part, the player touched a high standard, in which he displayed a perfect understanding of the role. Henry Horatio Hobson, successful parent of the period, was truly portrayed, and although there w’ere deficiencies in voice, still the general interpretation was most effective. The roles of daughters of Hobson were well interpreted, while the part of Maggie, the eldest of the three, was correctly depicted, particularly in the most effective yet matter of fact verbal combat for the affections of Willie. A very effective piece of work was put into the part of Mrs Hepw'orth, which was given a rare touch of dignity. The | roles of Ada Figglns. Jim Heeler, and Albert Prosser were well sustained. Although not an easy play—or rather

an act of a play—to interpret, the work of the players was worthy of high commendation. The Drama League Orchestra,, under the baton of Mr D. Parkin, contributed to the success of the evening by presenting a selection of orchestral items during the intervals. To-night, the final night of the festival, only three plays will be presented, namely "The Golden Fisherman" (F. Sladen-Smlth) by the Timaru W.E.A.; “Escape” (E. F. Parr) by the St. Andrews Dramatic Club; and “The Lovely Miracle" (Philly Johnson) bv the St. Mary’s Girls’ Ciub On Thursday evening, the foul placed plays of this year’s festival wil be presented in the Theatre Royal and half the net proceeds will tx devoted to Central Relief funds.