DRAMA HELPS TRADE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1004, 21 June 1930, Page 31

DRAMA HELPS TRADE

GALSWORTHY’S “STRIFE” MOVE TO CURE DISPUTE For the first time in the history of this country an effort is to be made to end a great industrial dispute by means of the drama, says a writer in the London “Daily Chronicle” early last month. More than a month ago there developed in the West Riding a stoppage over a wages issue, which involved 200,000 workers, 60,000 of which are still out. The directors of the Theatre Royal, Huddersfield, in the centre of the affected area, have now decided, in an attempt to contribute toward ending the stoppage, to produce Mr. John Galsworthy’s great and moving play, “Strife.” The revival will last for a week, beginning on May 19. Mr. Alfred Wareing, the manager of the theatre, who is working without thought of pecuniary reward, has enlisted the services of leading members of the theatrical profession in his effort. Services Free Two famous lectors, Mr. Norman McKinel and Mr. Fisher White, who played “John Anthony” and “David Roberts” in the original production, are to lielp, so far as their present engagements will allow. Mr. Galsworthy has agreed that the play shall be produced for the week without fees, and all the actors and actresses, who are rehearsing in London, will give their services, only out-of-pocket expenses being guaranteed. The entire resources of the theatre have been placed at the service of the object by the directors, w r ho will take no more than the bare expenses, and, in the event of a loss, will meet tlie first £25. Guarantee Fund Many public-spirited citizens are also supporting the endeavour by subscribing to a fund —to be made up of units of £1 —which shall guarantee the theatre against loss. In “Strife,” which was first produced more than 20 years ago, Mr. i Galsworthy presents with absolute | fairness and integrity the painful facts of a trade dispute as he sees them, and draws a vivid picture of the loss I and suffering to both sides which a ' prolonged and embittered strike brings about. i It is one of the. most moving human i plays seen on tlie British stage in our | own time.