DRAMA FESTIVAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 October 1938, Page 7

DRAMA FESTIVAL

FOUR PLAYS PRESENTED LAST EVENING LARGE AND APPRECIATIVE AUDIENCE. FURTHER PERFORMANCES TONIGHT. Four one-act plays were presented to a large audience in the Opera House last night, when the Wairarapa branch of the British Drama League opened its sixth annual drama festival. A high standard of performance was maintained throughout, and the plays provided an excellent evening’s entertainment. The festival will conclude with a further four plays this evening. In the course of her opening remarks, the judge, Miss Elizabeth Loe, who was introduced by the president of the Wairarapa branch of the league, Mr T. Jordan, outlined the task which was before her as judge. Miss Loe stressed the fact that any criticism she might have to offer was offered in the hope that the actors might gain some help from her remarks.

Following are the details of the plays presented last night:— Central School Juniors, “The Test” —(Rose Fyleman). Cast: —Maliy Bagoo (a Witch), Dorothy Heckler; Boggle Bagoo (Her Husband), Campbell Smith; Mix, Noelme Bradley; Fix, Stella Pauling; Kix, Freda Clark, Trix (Princess Nalda), Beulah Hirst; Red Robinetta (a Wise Woman). Elsie Rickards; Queen of Panacea, Helen Bannister; King of Panacea, George Knowles. Producer: Mr J. A. Kennedy. Wairarapa College:—“Campbell of Kilmhor” (J. A. Ferguson). Cast: — Mary Stewart, Margaret Stewart; Moray Cameron, Glen Daysh; Archibald Campbell, Rex Daniell; Captain Sandeman, Alan McK. Douglas; Dougald Stewart, Keith Jaine; James McKenzie, Lawson Pither; Soldiers, A. Tooby, D. Tooby, N. Jones. Producer: Mr H. R. Thomson.

Masterton Catholic Club: —“Anticlockwise” —(Muriel Box). Cast: — Emily Jackson, Mollie Dwyer; Dr Flora Richmond, Agnes Mannell; Elizabeth Aidringham, Mary Greenlees; Clara Fitzwater, Kitty Cairns. Producer: Miss J. Buckley. Peter Pan Players:—“Sad About Europe” (Philip Johnson). Cast: — Marshall K. Hunt, Roger Henry; Phoebe, Joan Wilton; Girlie, Patricia Jordan; Miss Mulberry, Bebe Francis; Jim, Vivian Joseph. Producer: Miss B. Coleman. THE JUDGE’S COMMENTS. Discussing the first play, “The Vest,” a junior effort, Miss Loe said she was always pleased to see young players. However, when children started dramatic work they should enter into it with as much fun as possible. In the case of “The Vest,” the players seemed a little afraid of having fun with the play. Perhaps they were nervous. Bagoo seemed a little unhappy in his part; he was just a little bit conscious of being himself. Molly Bagoo had been told that she must speak up and be careful of her words. But she had been a little too careful. More variety in her voice would have improved her effort. However, she seemed more at home on the stage than any of the others. Mix spoke out but she needed a little more life. Pix committed one “unforgivable crime” — she would look at the audience. That was a point that both old and young people should remember. Kix looked a bit unhappy. Trix was a good contrast and gave a pleasant performance. Both the King and Queen should have shown that they enjoyed being King and Queen. Red Robinetta was forceful and in character. The settings, dressing, and make-up were very good, but the actual stage movements could have been improved a little. “There was some very good work in this play,” said Miss Loe, commenting on the second presentation, “Campbell of Kilmhor.” The settings, lighting and dressing and grouping were good, although the last-mentioned could have been improved a little in places. Good use had been made of pauses. Moray’s movements and reactions were good. The audience was a bit too conscious of Mary’s youth—the eyes could have been sunk a little more. The anger and curse scene was done very well. Stewart gave a very good performance. Sandeman’s carriage was excellent. One was always conscious he was part of the play. Campbell was very good, and used his voice well. McKenzie fitted the part well and the soldiers were excellent. The team-work was excellent, and altogether it was a very good bit of work. In “Anti-Clockwise,” Emily mainmaintained the tension well. Dr Richmond was inclined to overdo the mannerisms a little. Elizabeth, too, should be careful of her gestures. Clara gave a good forceful interpretation. A few more changes of group could have' been made in this play. The second . scene went much better than the first. “It was quite fun, wasn’t it?” said Miss Loe, referring to the last play of the evening, “Sad About Europe.” “Marshall gave them a good laugh. His wife, Girlie, was excellent, with a forceful attack. Phoebe gave a very nice performance. Miss Mulberry appeared a little bit young for a woman who had been waiting for 25 years.' Jim’s repose was good. The setting was good and the play could be described as good entertainment. At the conclusion of her remarks, Miss Loe offered to meet any of the players, and discuss any points with them. TONIGHT’S PROGRAMME. The plays to be presented tonight are:—“The Autumn Sweepers,” the Playbox Players, produced by Miss B. Coleman. “White Queen—Red Queen,” St Matthew’s Old Girls, produced by Mrs E. J. Rich. “Drumgarth,” St Andrew’s Society, produced by Mrs R. Miller.” “The Invisible Duke,” Phoenix Drama Club, produced by Mr J. A. Kennedy.