SACRED PLAY,

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19662, 23 August 1935, Page 8

SACRED PLAY,

JOHN MASEFIELD'S “GOOD FRIDAY” PRESENTATION AT ST. PAUL’S. The value of drama in worship lias 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 due lo the producer, Mr Earle. The church made a splendid setting for the beautiful play, and the costumes of the soldiers (Misses Jebson, 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 I lie 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 llie'opening passages more arresting.

The part of Pilate was well played by Miss Doris Gudd, who with the assistance of Miss K. Luxton as Procula. Miss Elsie Diamond as Longinus, ami Miss .Jennie Gowanlock as Die SenIry, presented the indifferent but faintly admiring Roman altitude lo Jesus. In contrast was the callous and vindictive Chief Citizen, (Miss J. Carter), backed by the Jewish Rabble (Misses M. Trcloar, ,1 McLanaolilan, P. Tictjens and 11. Clothier). The stirring scene when Die jangled and unnerved Longinus returns from the crucifixion, was cleverly contrasted with the casual attitude of Herod (Miss E. Jebson) and Die Jewish crowd. The more sympathetic part of Joseph was well played by Miss J. Pomeroy. A very Idling little interlude in the “ Crowd ” scene was that presented by Peter’s denial of Jesus and Miss E. Cowanlock’s interpretation of this part was good. The play closed when the crowd drifted from Hie Court, leaving the Madman (Miss R. Tictjens), to sorrow for Ihe “Teacher.” As the Madman went out, llic. organ began Die opening si rains of “Thou Didst not Leave His Sou! in Hell,” from “ The Messiah,” at the conclusion of which, Rev. Peal pronounced Die Benediction. Prior to Ihe play organ solos were presented by Mr Cook; vocal solos by Mr It. Drafthwaitc “ There is a Green Hill,” and “Consider the Lillies”; and tenor solos from “ Tho Hymn of Praise,” by Mr 11. P. Duff. Mrs Gowanlock, Miss Trcloar, and Messrs. Williams and Bradley rendered a quartelie from Stainer's " Crucifixion.”