SACRED PLAY.

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19661, 22 August 1935, Page 2

SACRED PLAY.

JOHN MASEFIELD’S "GOOD FRIDAY" PRESENTATION AT ST. PAUL’S. The value of drama in worship has long been overlooked by the majority of church leaders. It was therefore with anticipation that a good audience gathered at St. Paul's Methodist Church last evening to witness the presentation of John Masefield’s sacred play “ Good Friday.’’ The undertaking was an ambitious one, and great credit is duo to the producer, 'Mr Earle. The church made a splendid setting for the beautiful play, and the costumes of the soldiers (Misses .Tebson, Everiss and Lilley) with the trumpeter behind the scenes (Master Knight), helped to make the scenes more realistic.

Prior to the play, the organist, Mr 11. G. Cook, played extracts from “ The Messiah." This was followed by the reading of the prologue from the same author's “ Trial of Jesus,” and the unaccompanied solo, ‘‘Were you there when they crucified my Lord?" The combined effect of this introduction helped to -create the right atmosphere and to make the opening passages more arresting.

The part of Pilate was well played by Miss Doris Gadd, who with the assistance of Miss K. Luxton as Procula, 'Miss Elsie Diamond as Longinus, and Miss Jennie Gowanlock as the Sentry, presented the indifferent but faintly admiring Roman attitude to Jesus. In oontrast was the callous and vindictive Chief Citizen, (Miss J. Carter), backed by the Jewish Rabble (Misses M. Treloar, J McLanachlan, P. Tietjens and H. -Clothier). The -stirring scene when the jangled and unnerved Longinus returns from the crucifixion, was cleverly 'contrasted with the casual attitude of Herod (Miss E. Jebson) and the Jewish crowd. The more sympathetic part of Joseph was well played by Miss J. Pomeroy. A very telling little interlude in the “ Crowd " scene was that presented by Peter’s denial of Jesus -and Miss E. Gowanlock’s interpretation of this part was good.

The play Closed when the crowd drifted from the Court, leaving the Madman (Miss R. Tietjens), to sorrow for the "Teacher." As the Madman went out, the organ began the opening strains of “ Thou Didst not Leave His Soul in Hell,” from “ The Messiah,” at the conclusion of which, Rev. Peal pronounced the Benediction. Prior to the play organ solos were presented by Air Cook; vocal solos by Mr R. Draithwaitc “ There is a Green Hill,’’ and “ Consider the Lillies”; and tenor solos from “ The Hymn of Praise," by Mr 11. P. Duff. Mrs Gowanlock, Miss Treloar, and Messrs. Williams and Bradley rendered a 1 quartette from Stainer’s “ Crucifixion."