ARE WE DOWNHEARTED?

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1, 2 September 1913, Page 5

ARE WE DOWNHEARTED?

THE S.O.S. CHORUSES “NO.”

The members of the Stratford Operatic Society got a considerable shock last week when it was found that there was little hope of the Society being allowed to present “The Pirates of Penzance,” which had been rehearsed to such an extent that the Society was able to fix the dates for its presentation. For a short time members were somewhat taken aback, but now appear to have got over the shock, coming up smiling again. A meeting was held last night, when about- sixty members were, present. The matter was fully discussed, and it was decided to at once ascertain what other works are available, and to pencil the Town Hall for the show nights. Afterwards “The Pirates” was rehearsed—in case of accident.

The “Inglewood Record” deals editorially with the position. After stating the facts of the Stratford position, the journal remarks:—lt would thus seem that any hope of our local society, which has ‘Pinaf'ore,” another of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operas in active work ready for the opening of our new Town Hall, being able to obtain the requisite permis sion to produce it appears to be very remote, and time is too short for success in preparing any other good piece for that occasion. It is not easy to understand the action of the Williamson Company, as no one can possibly suppose that an amateur society in small districts- like Stratford and Inglewood could possibly interfere with the profitable representation of the operas by the Williamson Company, as all that could possibly result from an exhibition by local talent would Do an excellent spoil te whet the appetite for a more finished representation. However, if the “fiat has gone forth,” the sooner the local society hows to the inevitable the better and turns its attention to some other attraction for the occasion, and

to help to reimburse them for the large outlay already made in the purchase of scenery, dresses, etc., suitable for “Pinafore.” Without permission a production would he the acme of folly, for, although the penalty of imprisonment for infringement is nc longer existent there are other ways equally stringent and effective that are still available.