'THE SKIN GAME'

Evening Star, Issue 22144, 26 September 1935, Page 17

'THE SKIN GAME'

REPERTORY SOCIETY SUCCESS OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE OF GALSWORTHY PLAY Splendid acting in a good play marked the opening performance at His Majesty’s Theatre last night by the Dunedin Repertory Society of ‘ The Skin Game,’ a tragi-comedy in three acts by John Galsworthy, the presentations of which eclipsed even the best of the society’s previous efforts. In selecting this Galsworthy piece the society made a happy choice, for this striking play of social problems and class prejudice, written by the playwright when at the height of his success as a dramatic writer, proved to be a highly enjoyable one, and one admirably adapted for the talent which the society has at its disposal. Both for its efforts to educate the public in contemporary drama and to provide pleasant entertainment the society is deserving of the warm thanks of all playgoers. Again last night the members gave a singularly good performance, their efforts providing a definite theatrical achievement in the history of the society, which had already gained a well-deserved reputation for competence and artistry in the nine previous public appearances. The performance of 1 The Skin Game ’ was a distinct credit to the cast, which, incidentally, was one of the best-balanced combinations seen in Dunedin since the recent recrudescence of the amateur dramatic fever, and-was a superlatively convincing demonstration of the value of sympathetic and well-informed production. Certainly there were minor faults in the way of pausation and deportment, but generally it was' a well-balanced and smoothly - running performance, throughout which it was not difficult to discern the capable guiding hand of Miss Bessie Thomson, the society’s ■ producer. Though there were one or two outstanding characterisations, particularly that of Mr Richard White, whose work reached a very high standard, it was the excellent team work that made the presentation of ‘ Tho Skin Game ’ the best the society has yet given. The points of the drama are very effectively retained in the play as presented by the members of the society, and the result is a convincing study or tho clashing of wills in the conflict between Hillcrist, representative of the staid and honoured conventions of the old English county family, and the newly-rich, self-made Hornblower, who first arouses the resentment of his opponent by establishing his works near Hillcrist’s estate, and destroying the scenery. In the play Mr Galsworthy’s case is stated quite dispassionately, and thus the audience is allowed to appreciate both points of view in the quarrel. One sympathises with Hillcrist in his sentiment for the old traditions; one sympathises just as readily with Hornblower when the autocratic Mrs Hillcrist snubs his daughter-in-law. The storm breaks when the pottery manufacturer orders the ejectment of two of the tenants from their old home, though, in purchasing the land from Hillcrist, he had given a definite promise that he would not do so. It is impossible to come to terms-—Horn-blower’s boastful arrogance would of itself be sufficient to check any thought of reconciliation—rand the result is “ the skin game,” war to the utmost between the two families. It is doubtful whether so clever a woman as Mrs Hillcrist would fail to see the tactical advantage at least of saying “ Good day ” to the young Mrs Hornblower; but when matters have gone so far that no agreement is possible, Hillcrist’s wife, without the knowledge of her husband, unscrupulously resorts to the step of making known to Hornblower a disgraceful secret in the life of his daughter-in-law, and thus at last brings him to terms. The best commentary upon his wife’s conduct is furnished in the words of Hillcrist as the play ends: “ When we began this fight, we had clean hands. Are they clean now? What is gentility worth, if it cannot stand fire.”

As already indicated, the acting reached a high standard. Mr Richard White gave a sterling performance as Hornblower, with all his aggressiveness and the ambition of wealth, in vivid contrast to his manner when, cowed and broken, he is forced to believe the story about his daughter-in-law. Altogether he gave a _ polished study and admirably maintained the northern accent with which he commenced. In a clever restrained way Mr S. G. Lock gave a convincing picture of Hillcrist, the country squire, ivho, though forced into tho “ skin game,” endeavoured to fight cleanly according to his lights and who viewed with abhorrence the means which his wife adopted to bring Hornblower to terms. An outstanding characterisation was given by Miss Anita Winkel, who proved,her ability as an emotional actress in the part of Chloe, the unfortunate daughter-in-law whose past was raked up to use her as a pawn in the fight between the families. Never overdoing her part, Miss Winkel showed a fine sense of dramatic values. Another young lady whose work was a decided acquisition to tho society was Miss Joyce Messent, who, in the part of Jill, Hillcrist’s daughter, showed a fine understanding of _ her r6le, acting with ease and conviction. • As Amy, the wife of Hillcrist, who stooped to unsavoury means to gain her ends and caused her husband to utterly lose his self-respect, Miss Violet Livingstone was well cast, and cleverly maintained her attitude of haughty hostility in carrying on the social duel between the Hillcrists and the Hornblowers. Assisting Mrs Hillcrist in her plans to bring Hornblower to terms was Dawker (Hillcrist’s loyal yet scheming agent), a difficult role which was very capably filled by Mr E. W. Lees Bullot. Other roles in_ the cast, every member of which acquitted herself or himself admirably, were filled by F. S. Avent (Charles, the elder son of Hornblower), D. E. MacAvoy (Rolf, the younger son), L. Pithio (Fellows, Hillcrist’s butler), Katrina Speight (Anna, Chloe’s maid), Ngata Buswell and E. W. Fish (Mrs and Sir Jackman, the tenants evicted by Hornblower), W. T. Matthews (an auctioneer), G. E. Duff (a solicitor), and R. B. Harkness and P. M. W. Nevill (two strangers). The play, which was admirably .staged, ran smoothly from curtain to curtain, and all through the members of the cast showed unmistakable signs of the thorough preparation and training they had undergone. Much credit is also due to Mr T. C. Wynne, the stage manager, for his share in the production, and Mr Les Hill deserved commendation. for his work in the stage decorations, while the tasteful dressing of the ladies reflected credit upon the wardrobe mistress, Mrs E. R. Harty. The D.I.C. Orchestra, under Mr Charles Martin, contributed enjoyable selections during the intervals, and was deservedly applauded. ‘ The Skin Game ’ will be staged again to-night, Friday night, and Satlii'day night.