ART V. THE BOX OFFICE.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 526, 5 June 1909, Page 15

ART V. THE BOX OFFICE.

THE REPERTORY THEATRE.

'A-'mpet.'PKHms-mS scheme for solution of our'perennial theatre problem is to hand (says the' London correspondent of the ."Sydney Morning Herald"). The National Theatre idea, into which, at last, the rival schemes for the celebration of the Shakespeare tercentenary have merged,' and which, in consequence, lias howi_behind it the -strength - of union : and authority, is at this moment, favourably: set towards realisation; and a National Theatre has been, for |ong, merely the impracticable dream,of en-tausiaem. And n(>w thooause.of. art-drama has had a fresh impetus in the definite proposals for the.estabfishmentof a repertory theatre'.' The-reper-tory theatre: has; been'advocated constantly by all those who see in the prevaih'ng conditions of tho English stage a fatal obstacle : to drama »s- art. The purely commercial side of tnp theatre world has long 'flourished on those conditions. Productions of studiously specious appeal, and consequent!'long runs,' • have spelt money to many a box office. But long runs; are ruinous to dramatic progress, whether of the actor-exponent or the studentpublic. Hence the value of the presont proposals.:' They.'come, strSngely enough, from twb diffornetquarters at the same moment. Inthe one case a number of influential mon have arranged a- ; scheme whereby Mr. Herbort ;Trenoh, well l known here as a poet of somo distinction* will: act S3 director of a West End theatre, which, by way of ea> peridental compromise, -Will , , divide' its programmes by producing for one-half of ■ each week; repertory plays, and for the other half whatever-"long run", plays it may have at its disposal. Comedies, farces, extravaganzas, fairy plays, and musical plays will none of them'be barred. The theatrical year of this repertory theatre, will consist of seasons of eight weeks each,: and its operations will bo extended, automatically/ to the province*. As to the actors) "stars will not be enoouraged. Many players have already been enlisted, and there will be formed; necessarily, a "stock" company, resembling in some •particulars those of long ago. ;>■ ■ •■' Gon6urr.en.tly with this announcement comes, one from Mr. Charles Frohman, the well; known manager,' who states his intention to turn the Duke of, York's Theatre into a repertory theatre f6r the production, chiefly, of new plays. Alfeady-Mr. Barrie, Mr. Shaw, Mr. Golswor&y, and : Mr. Granvillo Barker are. engaged on new plays for taie scheme, and Mr. Froiman announced that pieces already .proven ,to bo high-eiass will figure on the first year's repertory list— amonK them Mr.- QolsworiihT'a "Sihw Box" and "Strife , ," Mr. Barrie'a "What EVery woman- Knows" and "The Admirable Crwhten,'! several of Mr. Shaw's, BroTmiDe*e "Blot on the 'Souteheon," and ene ef Us sen's-Tprebably "Peer Qynt." AH thisreads, to eerions theatre-eoera, too good to be tin©, but it is evident enough that tho promoters mean business this time.