"THE DOGS"

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 195, 13 May 1920, Page 6

"THE DOGS"

STUDENTS STAGS EXTRAVAGANZA. As a prelude to "capping day" and its - attendant celebrations, the students of Victoria University College for onco put aside all thoughts of books and "niid'ifight oil" last night, and combined in tho production of their annual extravaganza. • This year's effort, rejoices in the cryptic title, "The Dogs," was staffed in tho Grand. Opera House, which was crowded to tlm doors. Fori upwards of two and,a half hours "The Dogs" kept the big audience bjghly amused, the farce ably sustaining the students' reputation in this, direction. ;As of yore, the students have IIP the production of their extravaganza launcheiTout on distinctly original lines. "Tho Dogs" is a diverting and. farcical travesty ,on recent episodes ; in the public life of the Dominion, with a generous war flavouring. Tho real merit of the piece lies in the facO that.it was written by a number of students .working in co-operation,, and there is a laugh in every line evolved. Viewed ns an amateur production in its entirety, "Tho Dogs" reflects credit on its producer, Mr. E. Evans, and those associated . with him. In the first of the four acts the students figuro as Robin Ifood and his merry men, with.modern trimmings. The band are up in arms .against' th« .abolition of the wet canteens, the lines making frequent reference to Trcntham,' "tin hats," and "Sir Jiuimie Fallen." Incidentally the Professorial Board cornea . in for a wigging-, and tho city.fathers do not escape entirely unscathed—the latter on account of the Basin Reserve charges to" athletes. In the second act the professional politician and party politics generally are anachronistically treated. Election day in tho "Middle Ages- js shown in propress, "80-All Massive," "Jay JPi> Fluke. 0 Seer E," "Sir FrancisvMl," "Feet Phraser," "Worn Tilford," 'being some of the prominent participants. Tho third act is a satirical portrayal of "tho 'Ouso in session," and here the _ fun waxes fast end .furious, bills being introduced toy "Sir Jay Pip Fluke" ('Nightmare of Wellington"), aiid others, to prevent the "high cost of loving", and to effect a reduction in women's clothes." •''Tho 'Ouse" is 6een abruptly adjourning when the "Prince of Wails' makes a sensational entry while "Feet Phraser" is wildly haranguing members. Tho final act is more or less a droll play on tho incidence of women in. politics, <ind here again lampooning Is mercilessly indulgod in to the delight of all, particularly Tilio student actors themselves. The ciu-ioahires, though far-fetched, amply conveyed io tile audience the objects of the students' satire, and the numorous hits and sallies wero as of old very pointed. Numerous girl students figure in' tho chorus, their attractive 'costume# being designed by Miss M..Richmond.. The orchestration of tho play reflected - * credit on tho conductor, Mr. W. H. Stainton, who specially composed some of the music. The stage manager" wa» Mr. K. W. Low. Tho prologue was sung by Mr. R IC. Eishworth, who, as "Kobin Hood," was heard to distinct advantago in several vocal items. "The Dogs" will bo repented this '-■veiling.