DRAMATIC REFORM ASSOCIATION.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 201, 24 August 1880, Page 4

DRAMATIC REFORM ASSOCIATION.

[Melbourne Argus. July Sl.] We are glad to learn that, an efforjt is to be made to establish in Melbourne an association id.uiical in its aims with the Drametic Reform Association which was founded in Manchester rather mpre than two years Bgo, with the express obj ct of promoting the reform and extension of the diama. At tbe outset, the movement bad to encounter tbe direct bo.tili'y or ecaroely veiled distrust of tho friends of the stage; but owing: to the judiciousaction of tbeco.m■raittee, it has not only disarmed prejudice but has steadily gained in influence, and seems likely in the future to do much to improve the position which tbe drama ought to hold. Although the association numbers amongßt its vico-preaideuts the Bishops of Manchester, Carlisle, Durham, and Melbourne, it was not started from a purely religious stand-point. Tbe more enlightened olergy are beginning to recognise that, a taste for tbe dramatic art ia inherent in our nature, and that to preach a crusade against the theatre ie simply to lose the aid of a very potent agency for the dissemination ;of £?re«t moral lessons. The liberal Bishop of Manchester bears testimony to the fact that actors and playwrights do not wish to corrupt the age, though " they are obliged by the necessities of their position to conform more or less to the demand of the age." Theatres are financial speculations, aod managers merely attempt to supply a demand which represents the public taste for the time being. " The Drama's laws the Drama's patrons give, And they who live to please must please to live." The acceptance of this fact point out the true direct that reform should take. It is no use io mourn tbe decadence of the drama when we do n oth iDg to elevate it. Tbe Manchester Association believes tbat. much; can be done to porify the public taste .for theatrical recreation. The principal objects are thus defined : — ■ " To further the movement in favor of dramatiq, art by encouraging... good plays and performances, and good acting ; and by promoting- tbe. ; study of works by the best dramatic authors io schools, institutions, and societies. " To discourage objectionable playsand performances by withholding countenance and support, by the exercise pf personal influence, or by such legal action as may be deemed advisable. " To advocate earlier hours of opening and closing theatres, the purification of the environs, and tbe abolition

of (he sale of intoxicants within the precincts of theatres and similar places of public entertainment." . When we find men like Professors Blackie, Rusk in, Max Muller, Ajript;; strong, and Mr. Matthew Arnoldsympathising with the Association, if not all aotively allying; themselves vf ith it, t c gentlemen who desire to initiate - a similar movement of reform south of the line neeJ not deapair of support or of ultimate sucoess.