“EVERYMAN”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 845, 13 December 1929, Page 18

“EVERYMAN”

Old Morality Play is Impressively Presented PERFORMED IN CHURCH For the first time in New Zealand a morality play has been performed in Church in modern dress. Even a cigarette was used and one of the characters appeared in a blazer and carried a tennis racket. “Everyman,” one of the most impressive of the morality plays, was presented in the pretty little church of St. Thomas, in Union Street, by the vicar, the Rev. A. R. Allerton. It was a most dignified and impressive play, beautifully spoken and worthy of the attention of both churchgoers and those interested in the drama generally. No settings were used except the atmosphere of the church itself. The altar represented the Throne of God. the nave represented the world and the chancel screen the division between this world and the next. As the characters of the play belonged to this world the action of “Everyman” took place until his death, in the nave. The voice of God came impressively from behind the altar. Before the play began its character and purpose was explained by the vicar. “Everyman” wore a grey lounge suit, and occasionally produced a cigarette; “Good Deeds” appeared as a hospital sister; “Knowledge” (religious knowledge) was cloaked in the garments of a nun; “Fivewits” appeared as a lawyer; “Discretion” as a university graduate; “Beauty” was robed in the flowing garments of an artist; and “Strength” was ready for a healthy game of tennis; “Death” carried his sickle. The sub-title of “Everyman” runs as follows:—“A treatise how the High Father in Heaven sendeth Death to summon every creature to come and give an account of their lives in this world and is in the manner of a moral play.” It was spoken in the mediaeval language which adds to its impressive and reverant dignity. When the play opens the voice of God is heard charging Death to bring Everyman before him for a reckoning. Everyman asks his companions, the characters of the play, to go with him, but. they all forsake him in turn —all except Good Deeds. To the tolling of a bell Everyman and Good Deeds eventually pass through to Death and advance to the Throne of God. This last scene is most impressive and concludes with a hymn of praise sung by an unseen choir of boys. The chancel lights up as Everyman is accepted into the Heavenly Kingdom and the whole scene is flooded with beautiful light. In “Everyman” the onlookers could see themselves, their friends and life generally with all its possibilities and trivialities in the presence of God, Death and Religion. It is a very lovely play and the simplicity of the church a fit setting for its presentation. The final production of “Everyman” will be given at the church of St. Thomas next Thursday evening. Air. Allerton, who played “Everyman” and produced the play, has done a considerable amount of this work in England.