“PRIVATE LIVES”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 December 1939, Page 2

“PRIVATE LIVES”

SATURDAY’S PRESENTATION., Both the Masterton Little' Theatre Society, and the Wellington Thespians have made arrangements for the interchange of productions. The object of each society is to cultivate among its members skill in dramatic art. and among the public a discriminating taste for it. The attainment of such an object is of the highest cultural value in the community. Flesh and blood dramatic performance for some years suffered a set-back through the immense popularity of movie-pictures, which provided excellent entertainment at low prices—prices much lower than those at which it was possible to produce plays on the stage. The numerous amateur dramatic societies that have sprung up all over New Zealand —and throughout the world —have given the public the opportunity of seeing actual performances at charges that would be unprofitable to travelling professional companies. The public has not been slow to profit by inis opportunity. Moreover, the societies are not actuated solely by motives of profit, and accordingly are in a position to exercise judicious selection in the plays presented. The Masterton Society is particularly fortunate in that the arrangement is opened with the visit to Mastertoil of the Thespians, with their outstandingly successful production "Private Lives." The play itself is a skilful piece of work—its author is Noel Coward. The Thespian’s performance of it in Wellington was acknowledged as lhe best amateur production ever staged there. And I now. within a few weeks of the WellI ington presentation, it is to be presented in Masterton by the same clever performers .and with the same producer. stage-manager, and "back stage" staff. The Thespians need have little ! fear that the Masterton audience to greet them on Saturday evening will be less numerous or less enthusiastic than those at Wellington.