WITH THE AMATEUR PLAYERS

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20278, 21 August 1937, Page 17 (Supplement)

WITH THE AMATEUR PLAYERS

AMATEURS IN SYDNEY. PRODUCTION OF “ NOAH." THE INDEPENDENT THEATRE. A friend In Sydney, writing by this week’s mail, says:— “ Noah ” Is a play which crashed box-ofllces in London, New York and Melbourne within the past few years, 60 It was unfortunate that the Independent Theatre had several conditions adverse to its production. In the first place, the Savoy Theatre, which had housed their productions for over five years, had been bought by a film company, so that Doris Fitton had to look elsewhere for a theatre (a very difficult thing to find in Sydney). The only one available was the Conservatorium of Music, with its fine stage, bare auditorium, shocking dressingrooms, out-of-the-way position, and high rent. To make matters worse, the only nights available were two bitterly cold, drenching Fridays. Still, l, The play must go on.” Andre Obey’s " Noah ” Is a play of rare wit, beauty of line and subtlety of characterisation. Certainly, It is the old Biblical story retold in modern fashion, but underneath this simplicity is the story, a r s old as the hills yet still to be seen blazing from newspaper headlines, of the struggle for supremacy between East and West, North and South. Over all this conflict and keeping their outbursts in check is the kindly Ugure of Noah, strong and purposeful, yet gentle and forgiving.

Rose to the Occasion. This pilot of God’s Ship was played by Alfred Race, an actor who has learnt through years of experience the value of under-statement and yet who appreciates to the fullest the beauty of the English language. His work was a little monotonous in places but where the script demanded it he rose to the occasion splendidly, and dominated the play by his personality and the artistry of liis techniqueMrs Noah, that quaint and motherly soul, was not played, but lived, byMary Hosking. It is difficult to imagine a part that would better suit this lovable actress, or even to imagine an actress appearing to better advantage as Mrs Noah.

Of the children, Howard Craven’s Ilam stood out. At times a little uncertain of himself in this, his second, big part, he was nevertheless a vibrant and hot-blooded young savage, domineering and bullying in his mutiny against Noah, never a coward, but always a man. The contrast between the uncouth, noisy leadership of this young founder of the African and native races and the gentle but subtler dominance of Noah, was an effective piece of casting by the producer, Doris Fitton., Ronald Quigley as Shem, the farmer (eventually to turn to the East), gave quiet sincerity to a weak part. For the rest, the cast of youngsters (all of them under 20) gave slightly ragged and immature but fresh and lively performances. Outstanding Production. The production was outstanding, Miss Fitton’s handling of scenes between Noah and the animals, after everyone else on the Ark had mutinied against him, and of his last scene, alone and forgotten on Mount Ararat, being particularly touching and effective. The settings on the whole were poor, with one very definite exception —the first act. This act, set in a forest glade prior to the Hood, was the scene of a vivid mental conflict between Noah and the last man on earth (well played by Brian Wright). The play, received enthusiastically by the press but indifferently hv the public, laid the foundations for future splendid productions at the Conservator! urn. Young Aotor’s Achievement. A month or two back the Independent Theatre produced Denis Bradley’s “The Sybarites” at the Savoy. The play was lo he repealed at the clubrooms for a season of Iwo Saturday nights. On the Thurs- ' day preceding I lie first night of this j season one or the leading plavers sprained his ankle and announced' his ! Inability to play. Miss Fitton went ' lo Brian Wright with 1 lie part, and Iwo nights later lie played an embittered war veteran of forty with out a “ fluff.” earning for himself a round of applqu.se after his big scene ol' passionate denunciation of war.

PAST AND IMPENDING PRODUCTIONS.

OPERATIC PRODUCTIONS. “ The Quaker Girl ” at Wellington. “ The Quaker Girl," the Wellington Operatic Society's production, will end a 10 nights’ season to-night. A Wellington paper said: Wellington people have not been long in recognising that they have been offered something unusual In the way of musical comedies this year. 'Crowded and enthusiastic audiences every night at the Grand Opera House acclaim "The Quaker Girl " as the brightest and best show for some time. Palmerston Operatlcs for Hamilton. H is said that a big contingent of members of the Palmerston North Operatic Society will come to Hamilton to see a performance of "Rio Rita " by the local society next month. The Palmerston society has “ Rio Rita ” in rehearsal. Pantomime In Invercargill. On August 26 and 27 the stage of the Civic Theatre, Invercargill, will be transformed into a fairyland when the Little Southlanders of The Southland Times will present "Jack Froat," an original pantomime in four acts. The charming story of Puck and Posy, two little orphans, and their adventures in Frostland and Summerland, makes an irresistible appeal. Cousin Betty, the producer, has gathered a talented cast and chorus of 100 performers. The musical side of the production will be handled by Mr Howard Moody. The proceeds are in aid of the Invercargill Free Kindergartens.