PHIL WALSH DRAMATIC CO.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 875, 6 August 1910, Page 2

PHIL WALSH DRAMATIC CO.

TO-NIGHT AND MONDAY NIGHT.

To-night the Walsh Dramatic Co. will present that delightful oomedy-drama by Robertson entitled “Caste,” or as it is more familiarly known, “ The Drunkard’s Daughter.” This charming play is remarkable lor its strength of plot and characterisation and the pathetic sorrow of the heroine “Esther” is made doubly effective because of the really excellent comedy work which enlivens the actions and dialogue of the piece, it truthfully illustrates those lines, ‘ 1 True Hearts are More Than Coronets, and Simple Faith Than Norman Blood,” whilst the motive or morale is all that could be desired by the most fastidious of carping critics, being pure and wholesome as a mountain stream. Many of the new critics ask in a wondering way why the drama is so popular. Drama is popular because of its profound truth ; because it goes on repeating'the things which humanity has really found to be central facts. The drama is perpetually telling us that mothers are devoted to their children, because mothers are devoted to their children ; the drama tells us that men are chiefly sensitive upon honour and their personal claims to courage. Men are. It bores one to hear one’s honour reiterated: but it would startle one to hear it denied ; but the most convincing answer perhaps is in the big business that is invariably done by dramatic companies, providing it stages its pieces effectively, and it can be truly said that Mr Phil Walsh possesses to a remarkable degree the art of presenting drama in its most enticing form. This has been amply demonstrated to Foxton playgoers so that we can safely predict a big house to witness Mr Walsh’s production of “The Drunkard’s Daughter,” at the Public Hall, to-night. It might also be mentioned that as Mr Walsh is progressing so favourably after his recent operation, his medical adviser has given him permission to appear in one of the most strenuous impersonations —that of “Arthur Tracy” in “The Irish Detective” which it has been finally decided to produce on Monday evening next in order that Mr Walsh’s many friends and patrons shall not be disappointed.