A PROTEST

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 52, 25 November 1919, Page 8

A PROTEST

Sir,—The remnrks of your correspondent A. T. B. Pago on November 17, urdnr tho abovojieading. with reference to the production of "Hindle Wakes." appear to bo somewhat farcical. For his information I would like to point out'that "Hindle Wake's" was first produced in Manchester in 1912, and then taken to London. Tho Press reports eulogised tho work as "an epoch-making play" and "a wonderful picco of staga oraft." This praiso from experienced English critics easily discounts A, T. B. Pago's destructive criticism. Your correspondent would have no difficulty in classifying "Hindlo Wakes" if lie pjaced it in his list of "not understood' pieces. He states: "We do not need this horriblo thine dramatised for our amusement." Futrlier, "It is a plav devoid of any merit, and gives but little if any 6copo for real good dramatic art." His remarks are as extravagant in tho first instanco as his lack of artistic taste in the second. There is certainly nothing horribto about the piece, it is a powerful "hit" against one law for the man and another for the woman. There is a 1 los3on to be learned iu practically every lino that all decent-minded people rsjftk applaud. "The dramatic power and artistic merit of 'Hindle Wakes' are of the highest."—Vide English Press. It 6eems strange that after a universal consensus of eulogy from tho dramatic Press of England and America, it should lie left to Mr. Page to discover that this nlay is worthless. 1 am of opinion that Mr. Allan Wilkie deserves the thanks of every right-thinking habitue of tho theatre "for giving us tho opportunity to enjoy "Hindlo Wakes."—l am, etc., HENRY PIERCEY.