DRAMA FESTIVAL

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 186, 24 August 1937, Page 4

DRAMA FESTIVAL

m Individual Talent Revealed at Auckland The Auckland festival of the Britisb Drama League whick was held last weck revealed a considei-able degree of individual talent iu both A and B seetions. "No, Not the Russians" was a joyous and entertaining play put on by a cast from the Auckland Guild of I'layers. So weU acted and produced wais it tliat the judge, Miss Elizabeth Loe, rankod it a point above the previous night 's powerfully performed "Murder Trial" put on by the W.E.A. Club. Both were awarded certiiicates of merit, third prize going to the Play* liouse Players for "The 300th Performance. " Another of the successes and one of tho most enjoyable and inspiring efforts of the season was provided by tlie Warkworth Junior Players in a stago comedy setting of the "Mad Tea Party" from Lewis Carroll's "Alice m Wonderland." Miss Loe's dictum that it "was a deTightful pieeo of work" was dcmonstratively endorsed. This effort was awarded llrst place in the junior section. Secon'u place was won by the Mount Albert Grammar School Club, with "The Death Trap," and tMrd prize went to the Epsom Girls' Grammar Scliool party that did "The Spiusters of Lush. " Despito individual excellence di?played during tho season^ tho uericral standard was disappointing, statcd Miss Loe in commcnting 'on the season. She deplorcd tlie reluctance of tho largcr amatcur -societies to supporfc the Jeaguc's efforts and of niany talcutod amateurs to face tlie critieism involved. It was an attitudo whick hampered the league 's endeavours to lift the standard and .put drama m Auckland in ita titting place.