COMMUNITY ARTS

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 12, 2 April 1952, Page 4

COMMUNITY ARTS

Under the auspices of the Community Arts Service the residents of Taupo from time to time are given the pleasure, and incidentally the cultural benefit of public performances, musical and dramatic, of superior quaiity. The artists who are giving their services to provide the highclass entertainment of this kind are to be commended for their public spirit, and are deserving of every possible encouragement. They undertake extensive tours to the remote areas of the North island, often under trying conditions and dependent upon local hospitaiities. A great deal of preparatory work in con- • nection with the transport of the requisite stage paraphernalia, and continual rehearsals is involved. Taking one thing with another these excursions are no joy rides. The participants are missionaries carrying the torch of culture to people largely denied by their remoteness from the cent«-e£ the variety and quaiity of entertainment enjoyed by urban residents. It is true that radio bas done much to temper thd isolation of rural communities, and the coming of television promises an even greater expansion of their cultural amenities. On the other

\ hand, there is, after all, no real substi- * tute for what may be termed the flesh and blood of the stage and the concert platform. The Community Arts Service does provide the real thing, and demonstrates by its living example what 'ocal talent itself can accomplish given rhe right kind of leadership and guidance. In every community, however remote, there is taient, musical or dramatic, lying latent awaiting encouragement for expression. It is here in Taupo, but it requires a lead to be given. There was mention in our news columns some time ago of a revival of Taupo's play- - reading society. There has also been r reference to the formation of a minstrel group. These are indications of the recognition of local cultural* needs. But as far as can be seen it remains yet to give these ideas the form and substance and organised existence. With the approach of the winter season there should be leisure and scope for setting about such most desirable and beneficial activities. It is to be hoped that the opportunity will be used with the enthusiasm and zeal essential to give the enterprises a solid foundation for continuing as among our most important civic amenities.