W.E.A. ARTS CLASS

Evening Star, Issue 22463, 7 October 1936, Page 18

W.E.A. ARTS CLASS

THREE ONE-ACT PLAYS The arts nml drama classes, which •will be amalgamated next year, combined last Saturday, when plays from cadi class were presented to an appreciative audience of about 150 persons. The first presentation was ‘ Glcnforsa,’ a Scottish play by John Braudanc and A. W. Yuill. The keynote of this fine drama was Scottish chivalry, and the scene an island in the Inner Hebrides in 17G0, showing two young lairds in love with the same girl, the daughter of a neighbouring chieftain. The acting throughout was of a high standard. Stage movements were accurately managed, and it was due to Mr M'Caskill, the producer, that such success was achieved. The make-up was good, and also the_ costuming.' The sword duel was convincingly done. The part of Elspetli was excellently taken, and every individual part was convincing. The second piny, ‘ Campbell of Kilmhor,’ by James Ferguson, was another fine Scottish drama. The time was just after the ’-15 rebellion, with a Scottish family assisting the unfortunate Charles to escape. _ They were visited by officers, the chief of whom was Campbell, in pursuit of the Royal party, hut young Stewart and his mother defied all thretts. This play was as well performed as the first, and was also well produced. The outstanding characterisation was that of the title player, Campbell of Kilmhor, while Sandeman was also convincing. All other parts were creditably handled, and the whole play went with a good swing. Here, again, the costuming was effective, as was the stage sotting. The last play of the evening was ‘Double Demon,’ a one-act absurdity by A. 11.I 1 . Herbert. A jury of 11 women and one man, the husband of the forewoman, retired to consider its verdict, and, as would be expected, complications appeared. The large cast performed well, and even those who had unimportant speaking parts looked at all times an integral part of the plot. The principal parts of the forewoman and her husband were well handled. Major Dampen was responsible for producing this play, and the humour was well brought out. Altogether it was made to appear so natural and convincing that it was only afterwards that one realised how absurd the whole thing was.

The general standard of work was very satisfactory and encouraging, and proved conclusively that the work done during the year by the two classes was well worth while, and that something of a lasting nature was being learned. When the two classes combine next year the experience of the past years will assist materially in building up an even better standard.