OVER THE FOOTLIGHTS

Waikato Times, Volume 110, Issue 18407, 14 August 1931, Page 3

OVER THE FOOTLIGHTS

MR WILKIE’S EXPERIENCES IGNORANCE ABOUT SHAKESPEARE. SOME AMUSING REMINISCENCES. Some of the mo** amusing of his theatrical experiences were retailed by Mr Allan Wilkie, the well-known actor-manager. In an address to the Hamilton Civic Luncheon Club yesterday. In Introducing the speaker, Mr E. Wilson, president of the Hamilton Shakespeare Club, referred to Mr Wilkie’s outstanding services to the Shakespearean drama in Australia and New Zealand. In his opening remarks Mr Wilkie said the passing of the actor-manager had been one of the most regrettable of the many ch mges xthich h id affected the stage in the last 30 years. The actor-manager could be said to be like the father of a large family, and his relationships with the other members of the company were usually of a most pleasant amt happy nature. Sir Frank Benson was a typical example of the old actor-manager type and was lovingly referred to as “ Papa Benson.’’ Another feature of the stage to-day was the disappearance of great personalities. When in England live years ago Mr Wilkie had seen many clever actors, but none who could be described as an outstanding personality. The modern tendency was lack !of individuality and standardisation which had reacted most unfavourably on the theatrical profession. Thirty years ago 3ir Henry Irving was a household name In England. To-day there were no great actors and actresses to compare with Irving and with Charles Wyndham, John Hare, ForbesRobertson, Charles Hawtrey, Genevieve Ward, Phyllis Dare and many others. In the same way New Zealand would never forget George Rignold, Alfred Dampier, Bland Holt and Dion Boucicault. Picturesque Type Gone. The picturesque type of actor had also disappeared, added Mr IWilkie. In his early twenties he was associated with Mr Charles Pavey, a typical old actor, who was somewhat addicted to drink. When Mr Wilkie had shown some publicity notices ol himself to him he (Mr Wilkie) had explained that high praise of his qualifications was necessary for advertisement purposes. Mr Pavey had replied that such publicity ax as quite pardonable. “ A live ass is far better than a dead lion any day,” he had said. Laughter). Mr Wilkie had informed the old actor that he would have to be discharged if he continued to make a nuisance of himself by his insobriety. Pavey replied: “Mr Wilkie, I give you my word that in future 1 will abstain from alcoholic liquor in every shape and form. 1 have joined the blue ribbon brigade, signed the pledge, and never intend to touch another drop.” Mr Wilkie had thanked him and asked if he would care for a drink. “Thank you,” answered Pavey. “ I will have a glass of beer.” Laughter). “ Some of the old theatrical landladies had some quaint sayings,” went on Mr Wilkie. “ I frequently received most ambiguous and enigmatic replies from them when asking what the prospects were in any particular town. Referring to preceding companies’ experiences, one lady said, ‘Some companies does badly and some not so well.’” (Laughter). “Another told me she never went to a theatre in that town. I asked why and she retorted, ‘lf it’s a good company it would’na be here; if it’s a bad company 1 dinna want to see it.’” (Laughter). There was a surprising ignorance ?f Shakespeare in many parts of the British Empire, said Mr Wilkie. He had overheard a group discussing the play outside a theatre in New South Wales and a woman was heard to rc - mark that Shakespeare needed a good actor. The commissionaire, anxious to do his best for the success of the season, replied: “This man’s good, though. He’s the original. He wrote It.” “Thank God, It’s Not Shakespeare.” He had also found it necessary to discard a large poster containing a portrait of Shakespeare after he had •overheard people ex,i Ve'ss/jig disappointment that he did not look like his portrait on the walls. When “ Coriolanus” was being staged at Melbourne a man at the box-office asked what was playing. He was told “Coriolanus.” “ Oh, thank God it's not Shakespeare. Give me two seats,” ho said. (Laughter). Mr Wilkie told another story of an old lady in Dunedin who thought "The Merry Wives of Windsor’’ was the best vaudeville show she had ever seen. Another young lady in a Wellington cafe who heard Shakespearean play was on at the Grand opera House expressed the hope that it would be In English. As a contrast to a certain amount of ignorance of Shakespeare in the British Dominions. Mr Wilkie remarked that in India, China ami Japan there was an Immense enthusiasm for the Immortal Bard. In Madras he was obliged to play “ Hamlet ” for four nights in order that the thousands of natives could obtain entrance. In Bangalore he had encountered a party of natives who had formed a Shakespearean society. They had walked 60 miles through the jungle to the railhead, then travelled 300 miles by train and spent several years’ savings to witness a Shakespearean play. One of Mr Wilkie’s most amusing tales was that of a persistent Eurasian youth who insisted on joining his company. After he had been reluctantly engaged at io rupees a week an indignant protest was received from the boy’s mother claiming that the stage would ruin his morals ami rharthe youth and was astounded • reexpenses of 100 rupees a day and other charges. The best item of the lot was 500 rupees “ for breaking up my home.” (Laughter). Good and Bad Theatres. Mr Wilkie then gave examples of the worst an i best theatres in which be had acted. The former was a crude bamboo >tructure in Kandy, the ancient cap pcriai Theatre at Tokyo, uhich was was a most unique ..ml rlabnrat nd 1 - W

Colisseum in London it was hailed as an Innovation, but as a matter of ! l one had been in existence in Kyoto for the last 400 years! I lie .1 quiiese delighted in newspaper interviews ami on one occasion his wife was bring interviewed when the interviewer interjected: ‘Are you considered beautiful in your own country or only peculiar ” (Laughter). He had experienced an embarrassing moment at Tokyo once when an audience of about 3000 hissed loudly at the end of the first act. He and his company were filled with horror and dismay and asked the manager what it was they disapproved of. The Japanese manager had replied that hissing was the sign of the warmest approbation. The idea was that the play was so wonderful that the breath of the audience was taken away and could Perhaps I had better conclude imw nr you may subject me to a simile* demonstration, but with a dlft’er- ■ :i! m< m ng," concluded Mr W ilkie v. i \ oiced Ihe hearty ap - ;: • ilmn ..f the club for the address, •’i I a vole of thanks was carried by