MISS ELIZABETH BLAKE RETURNS
Aliss Elizabeth Blake (in private life Airs. Stanley Natusch, of Wellington), founder of the British Drama League in New Zealand, returned to the Dominion at the week-end after a tour of England and America for the purpose of studying the latest developments in the trend of dramatic work. Aliss Blake was given a hearty welcome by members of the Auckland Area of the New Zealand Branch of the British Drama League. Speaking in the northern city Aliss Blake said that there is no doubt that the modern theatre movement is making great progress. “The one thing that gives the British Drama League its driving force and validity in its insistence on spiritual values,” she declared with evident conviction.
While in England she saw between 60 and 70 shows—sometimes seven or eight a week. She had been impressed by the high standard of acting and production efficiency, but she did not think the plays measured up to the merit given in production. They were what might be termed, in most instances, clever or “slick,” but without much body or point. “Probably the best four performances I had the honour to enjoy abroad were Van Druten’s ‘The Distaff Side,’ with Sybil Thorndike in the lead, at the New Theatre in New York, Flora Robson in ‘Alary Read,’ John Gielgud in his own production, ‘Hamlet/ and the same star in ‘Noah,’ the translation from the French. Gielgud’s Hamlet was the best seen for 25 years, and it was a huge success.”
Aliss Blake said she had a very in foresting time at Pasadena in the Community Playhouse, which is recognised as one of the best student schools in America and has an international
name. During her visit there was running a special Shakespearean iestival, during the course of which was presented every history play written by the Bard of Avon. This production work was done by the four theatrical companies connected with the institution. Miss Blake lectured at the school and found the festival students from all parts of the States very enthusiastic and appreciative-
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Bibliographic details
Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 212, 10 September 1935, Page 2
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346MISS ELIZABETH BLAKE RETURNS Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 212, 10 September 1935, Page 2
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