LITTLE THEATRE.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17978, 25 March 1930, Page 3

LITTLE THEATRE.

STRAINED FINANCES. appeal for public support. HAMILTON SOCIETY’S POSITION.

With the sum of twopence in hand, uk! prospects not over-bright, the Hamilton Little Theatre Society last night discussed at its annual meeting the advisableness of carrying on. The meeting was attended by about 10 persons, over whom the president, Mr A. E. Bouillon presidde. The following report covering the society’s activities was read by the

president: — . “Early last year a few enthusiasts in the reportory movement conceived the idea of forming a Little Thea.tre Society in Hamilton on lines of similar societies throughout the world. In order to create interest and gain, the support of the public, a play entitled "Falling Leaves,” by Sutton Vane, was , rehearsed and presented in the Thcatie Royal in April, 1929. According to press criticism'this was an artistic success, illustrating the possibility of the movement and the talent available in this district. “Although there remained a deficit of approximately £ls on this production it was considered that the support was sufficient lo warrant the calling of a general meeting. This meeting was hold in July, at which iL was

unanimously decided do form a Little Theatre Society in Hamilton. A provisional committee was formed and instructed to draw up rules, and report to a subsequent meeting when these rules were submitted and adopted. These rules, 1 may say, are similar to the rules in existing Little Theatre Societies and may be viewed in the treasurer’s office. As the committee considered it impossible to produce more than one play that season, it was - decided that the membership fee should be 10s Gd, entitling the member to three seats for the remaining play of the 1929- season. After considering a number of plays submitted by the producer, the committee decided to play the comedy ‘The Constant Wife,’ by Somerset Maugham, an adaption of which was afterwards screened at the Theatre Royal talking pictures under the title of 'Charming Sinners.’

Increase in Membership Essential. “The number of financial members now stands at 07. It should be made clear, however, that for the society to be successful it requires a membership of approximately 200, as the expense incurred is approximately £OO in the production of a one-scene play. Considering that the society is in its infancy the state of the finance of the society is satisfactory, 'but it should be here pointed out that but for two donations, one of £l9 2s Id and a private donation of £5 5s received by the society the state of the finances would

not toe as they are. The former donation was received from the trustees ot the now defunct Comedy Club, the trustees being Messrs A. E. Manning and E. C. Day. The latter donation was received from Mrs W. 11. Erye. The committee was extremely grateful for this assistance. Although the society is not at the present tone in funds, it has an asset in the set of scenery recently purchased. I am pleased to state that the society has no ■liabilities. The committee is desirous of placing on record sincere appreciation and grateful thanks to the press and alt ttiose who have, during the year, assisted the societj. ■ “Having now placed before you the true position of the society, you will all agree with me when I say that it is absolutely essential to increase our membership to allow us to oiler i'uither plays by the best writers While all forms of theatrical entertainment have no doubt felt the effect of the talking tilm, the Little Theatre should stand firmer to-day than ever it did. Whv' ? It puts forward a production with which the talkie can never hope to compote. No ilat photo-play with wireless accompaniment can give the atmosphere which is attained and demanded by the master playwright. The Little Theatre and all good legitimate productions demand real people and real voices. According to the latest London papers there is a definite return to good theatre. One critic recorded the fact that six of the leading legitimate houses had put out their ‘House full’ signs all on the same night. This is regarded as definite proof of the swing of the pendulum as London has favoured the talkies just as enthusiastically as other world centres. „ !xI Unsatisfactory Position. “ If it is your desire, as it is mine, that the Hamilton Little Theatre Socicty is to present* more plays, then l must appeal to the many cultured lovers of the drama and playgoers in our town to immediately become members and subscribers, thus allowing us to commence a new season without anv fear of financial embarrassment. Without an assured membership it would be useless to commence a new season; so if the Hamilton Little Theatre Society is to lie allowed to carry on it rests with you, the public, for support.” In answer to a question. Mr Bouillon said the door takings at the two productions totalled rii 12s. Mr E. Wilson regarded the position as unsatisfactory, as the society for its existence depended rather upon its subscriptions than upon box-office sates Such a society as theirs must have freedom in its choice of productions and not lie constrained to cater merely for public taste, Mr W Frye pointed out that while !pc .cost of a production was £OO, this referred to a one-act play only. With an additional act the cost would be considerably increased, so that the soeiety, if it continued, even with the support accorded last >eai, would be restricted to one-act plajs. Mr Bouillon mentioned that Uie society was already rehearsing “Outward Bound,” but without additional support it would he risky to proceed with ihe production. Me G. L. Mac Diarmid said the question was, how- could Hie committee iscertain whether the necessary support would be forthcoming? Person'tliy he did not think the posting of ■ir-culars, as was done prior to the last production, was of much avail. He bought a personal canvass would be iccessary if the required number of 2 00 members was to lie obtained. Mr E. Clayton-Greene asked if the itlemlancc at that night’s meeting was not an indication of the frail public support likely to be accorded the so>idy. lie felt, with the talkies on heir crest as- it were, the society .vould do well to go into recess for I*2 non-lhs. Two Main Purposes. Mr Eben Wilson did not agree with his view. He considered the society

should 'be kept alive. Considerable work had been done and he felt that if the public knew what the Little Theatre Society stood for the necessary support would be He would like to see a committee appointed to make a strenuous canvass. The society existed for two main purposes—firstly, the production of plays where such were non-existent and to foster the great educational and spiritual value of the drama; and secondly, to provide a field for activity and creative work amongst the public. Mrs H. Varney thought that if each member of the society undertook to gather in, say, two of their friends as members, the society could survive. Mr Frye said it was most unfair for" any society to carry 'on without an assured finance. The burden of liquidating the society’s debts should not be thrown upon those taking part in its productions, or upon the trading community. There was not likely to be a donation of £24 again this year as there was last. The speaker mentioned the large number of demands upon the public purse for different things at the present time. Mrs Prenton observed that the society was not asking for money for nothing. For one guinea a year, it was offering two seats at each of three performances. Mr Shakeshafjt regarded the society’s strained finances as a blessing in disguise. Idle feeling of the meeting obviously was that the society should continue, and doubtless there would be a stimulated effort on the part o£ members to enrol new ones. Election of Officers. A motion was unanimously carried that a committee be appointed to make an active canvass for membership. The following officers were appointed;- —Patron, Mr C. L. Mac Diarmid; vice-patrons, Dr. Rogers, Dr. Gower,

Messrs F. G. House, W. G. Pountney, W. J. Stevens, and H. E. Gaze; committee, Mrs Prenton, Sister White, Messrs Bouillon, Shakeshaft, Frye, and 11. E. Garde. Mr A. M. Fahey was unanimously re-elected secretary, and Mr E. Clayton-Greene treasurer. Mr C. L. Mac Diarmid mentioned that members of the .society were at present engaged in rehearsing “ Outward Bound.” Three years ago he saw “ Outward Bound ” played by a professional company in -Sydney. It was the most impressive thing he had ever seen produced on any stage in his life. He could assure subscribers and the public that there was a treat in store for them, and he was looking forward with the greatest interest to seeing it replay r ed here. Mr W. Blyfhe said that it would be necessary to get 150 members as the absolute minimum, within the next 10 days. . If the society were allowed to die this year it would be a most difficult thing, he thought, to revive it in 12 months time. Mr Gaze expressed the sincere hope that the society would continue its activities if only as a slight bulwark against the danger of the talkies submerging the English language in these parts. (Laughter.) Mr Bouillon was thanked for Ilia services as chairman.