COMMUNITY DRAMA

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20512, 2 September 1936, Page 5

COMMUNITY DRAMA

ELIMINATION FINAL TO-NIGHT Evidence of the keen interest aroused in community drama circles in South Canterbury is demonstrated in the splendid booking that has been recorded for to-night’s South Island Elimination Festival being held in the Theatre Royal commencing at 7.30 p.m. This has been reinforced by a steady stream of visitors from Christchurch and Dunedin who will attend the Festival. Four one-act plays are to be presented, representing the winning plays at Christchurch, Timaru and Dunedin (two first equal). Keen and friendly rivalry prevails because the adjudicator at to-night’s festival, Mr Victor Lloyd, of Wellington, wlil select from the plays presented to-night, the winning team which will journey to Dunedin to meet the winners of the two North Island elimination finals, in the national final. This evening, the Dunedin Repertory Society will present Edgar Wallace’s "The Twelve Pound Look,” a delightful play which reveals the famous author in his most inimitable mood. This play won the South Canterbury festival several years ago. Wesley Players (Timaru). who gained such a popular success at this year’s South Canterbury Drama Festival, will present Stephen Barnett’s “The 300th Performance.” This play won most favourable comment when presented here last month, and is certain to attract wide interest because of the high standard attained. The Canterbury College Drama Society, the winners in the Christchurch Community Dama Festival, will present Anton Tchchov’s arresting play “The Bear.” As the name of the author and the, title of the play imply, the play carries a Russian flavour, and is crowded with dramatic moments. The final play of the evening will be presented by the Dunedin Players, who have chosen Sir James Barrie’s “The Forest of Happy Dreams,” a play which is characterised by strong originality and imaginative power. Altogether a most interesting programme will be presented, with interest kindled in the comparison that will be afforded by the festival of comparing the work of the South Canterbury players with that of the successful players from Christchurch and Dunedin. The box plan is at Beggs, and early booking is recommended.