“COLLAPSE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 852, 21 December 1929, Page 33

“COLLAPSE”

Interesting New Play Done in Melbourne

Much that holds an audience is found in "Collapse,” by L. W. Vedrenne, which was staged by the Melbourne Repertory Theatre Society at the Playhouse The theme is nothing less than the end of the world. A mysterious voice is heard proclaiming that in a week all who are then living will be removed to another state of existence. It is found that the voice has been heard in many countries, and that whatever their language, it has been understood in all. The question developed by the dra matist is how people will take the news when they believe in it. Most of the country house set to whom he introduces us take it badly. There are only two of the characters to whom we might apply the words of the old poet George Herbert: Only a sweet and virtuous soul, Like seasoned timber, never gives; But, though the whole world turn to coal, Then chiefly lives.

Most of the people seen or heard of in the play “collapse” in character. One woman announces that she is going to have the best possible time for the days that remain, and to begin by abandoning “all this damned silly politeness” to her fellow-guests. A man takes a “dive into degeneracy,” and for a time persuades an innocent girl to accompany him. Eating, drinking, drugging and other diversions, including murder, are activities of the time.

Only two men maintain self-respect throughout the play. They are the young Viscount Michelbourne and the elderly gardener, Miles Phillips. Others have their gleams of the right spirit —that of “making a fine gesture” in the time that remains—but gradually they weaken. It is not revealed whether the world really ends, or whether, as suspected at first, the announcement is a wireless hoax.

In the first act the play is rather long-winded and wordy, but in the later scenes it becomes exceptionally interesting, and these scenes were followed with close attention. The piece could be considerably improved, hut it has the elements of an exceptionally striking drama.