DRAMA FESTIVAL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 8, 21 September 1945, Page 5

DRAMA FESTIVAL

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

ENTERPRISE

EASTERN RAY FEDERATION

The annual Drama Festival sponsored by the Eastern Bay of Plenty Federation of Women's Institutes was held in the Caledonian Hall, Whakatane, on Monday, September 10. Judging from the fact that the hall was completely filled by a very interested audience, it was evident that the festival had aroused more, than usual interest in the Bay, visitors being present from as far away ay Tauranga, Rotorua and Opotiki. Some eight one-act plaj's were presented during the day, those 'Institutes participating were as follows the plays given being inbiackets: — Waimana (Men Are Missing). Edgecumbe (The Willing Horse). Otakiri (Tbe Phantom Ship). Wliakatane (One Wedding, Two Brides). Otakiri (Her Affairs in Order). Matata (Slow Curtain). Whakatane (The Chimney Corner) . Taneatua (Ladies; in Waiting). The adjudicator for the festival was Mr Norman Day, of Ngongotaha. At the conclusion of the day's performances he announced the awards as follows: — Ist: Whakatane "The Chimney Corner" (88) points. 2nd: Matata "Slow Curtain" (85) points. 3rd: Otakiri "Her Affairs in Order" (82) points. 4th: Waimana "Men Are Missing" (81) points. The judge remarked that the standard of acting had in many cases reached a very high some individual performances being well up to professional standard. He refer-' red particularly to the very meritorious individual performance given by Mrs Hepburn to whom he awarded first prize for her excellent acting in the part of Jacqueline in "The Chimney Corner" and also to Mrs M. Warbrick for "her very ished acting in the part of Malrina in "Slow Curtain." Undoubtedly the best characterised part was that of Jeanne Libert in "The Chimney Corner" as interpreted by Mrs K. Stewart. Mrs Stewart gave a most intelligent and realistic rendering of this part, her work being marked by a dignity of poise and clearness of diction. All the plays were, splendidly staged, while the frocking was invariably in good taste and with excellent choice. It was evident that the players had s;pent considerable time in rehearsal and. they are, one and all. to be heartily congratulated on' the splendid performances given in the various plays. It is to be hoped that the Federation will continue with the festival as it unquestionally is instrumental in raising the cultural standard of the various Institutes participating in such festivals.

The arrangements for the festival were in the. capable hands of Mrs K. Stewart Mrs Murphy, secretary, assisted by a very enthusiastic and willing committee.

In the evening the four winning plays were repeated to an appreciative audience which completely filled the hall.