DUNEDIN PLAYBOX

Evening Star, Issue 23699, 5 October 1940, Page 19

DUNEDIN PLAYBOX

ONE-ACT PLAYS The annual festival of one-act plays staged by members of the Playbox Club opened last Tuesday evening, when a capacity “ house ” greeted the first three plays. The room was artistically arranged with boughs of English elm and bowls of spring flowers. Airs Eric Murray was the judge, and was introduced by Mr Russell-Wood, who welcomed her to the club. At the conclusion of each play Airs Murray gave a most interesting talk on the work of the players, and spoke with kindly encouragement of each play. The plays wore entirely different, the first one presented being ‘ A Royal Interlude,’ in which pome charming period frocks were worn by the four women comprising the cast. Airs Alurray was impressed by the work in this play, although she found it lacking in variety of tone and tempo, and some of the performers did not make good use of gesture and movement. The atmosphere was good and the interpretation sincere. Aliss Eileen Houston, who produced the play, also appeared as Lady Jane Grey, and gave poignancy to several scenes. Miss Alice Clark’s work as Alary Tudor impressed the judge, who spoke highly of her work and queenly demeanour. Aliss Alarcia Alorria was sincere as the lady-in-waiting, and Aliss Pat Healey appeared in a smaller part. The second ploy, a drama of the North Country, entitled ‘ The Druids’

Ring,’ was well acted and was produced by Airs Lance Griffiths, who also essayed the most arduous role in it. Airs Murray was very pleased with the work in this play, and said that a tense atmosphere had been very well sustained. There were pleasing touches of comedy to lighten the sombre pattern of the play, and the eight players had each contributed worthily to the general effect, Airs Griffiths, in particular, giving a highly declamatory and artistic characterisation. Airs John Hamer and Airs Ronald Jones did splendid work in character parts, and the remaining parts were capably filled by Misses Constance Manning, Edith Clare, Heather Westwood, Doreen Harvey, and AI. Rollo. The final -play of evening was the work of Mr Owen Fletcher, who wrote, directed, and appeared in it. ‘ Over the Fence Is Out,’ was its title, but the play content was more unusual and subtle than the name suggested. The production was good, and there was evidence of much thought in the manner of the play’s presentation. Uncertainty marred the work of some of the players, and audibility was not always commendable, but Airs Murray found much that was good in the players’ work. The musical introduction and subsequent “ noises off ” were ingeniously managed and heightened the effect considerably. In the prologue Aliss Alyra AUKechie appeared as a retired ballerina and Air Fletcher as the boy who had ambition to become a great dancer; later, a full-fledged ballet dancer, he put great zest into his part. Opposite . him, Aliss Dulcie Hazelwood gave a natural perfor-

mance as a prima ballerina. Mrs lan' ’ Stevenson was an attractive dancer, too, and Mr Colin Martin provided a good contrast as the other man. Mrs T. Nelson enacted the important part of a theatrical dresser. The festival will conclude on Tuesday next.'