THE AMATEUR THEATRE
PLAY PRODUCTION FOR AMATEURS, by Eric Bradwell; Allen and Unwin. English price, 10/6. ‘THE female spider is said to devour its mate; in amateur theatrical circles the devouring is performed by either sex and indiscriminately; in no associated
arts, crafts or trades is mutual destructive criticism so prevalent. It is greatly to be hoped that Mr. Bradwell’s modest but comprehensive volume will not suffer total critical destruction, particularly as he is a prophet in his own country, He states that his work is not intended for the experienced amateur’ producer, but there is plenty that even the most talented New Zealander can learn and recall from this book, even if only by being provoked into disagreement. The chapter on business management is not very inspired and could have been omitted; this would have allowed for more on lighting-not technically, which he wisely avoids, but from the producer’s point of*view. All that he says is sound, even to his too\tentative claim for the cheap, efficient old water dimmers that still can give a slower and softer fade of light than many modern contrivances. But there was room for more. Incidentally, cellophane is not easily inflammable; it retains its colour sufficiently for any amateur "run of the play," and being delicate in shade does not reduce power as much as gelatine. Likewise it is easy to deny the validity of several of his claims, and there are a few technical errors for the critical to relish. It is well and simply written, though I could wish he did not so often use "commence" instead of "begin;" the illustrations aré to the point and sufficient, and he covers the ground very fully with no serious omissions. There is little ‘that is new or revolutionary, but this volume should be owned by every -amateur group in ‘New .Zealand, and
they should not allow any producer to do a play who ‘has not read it, Now it’s over to the spiders!
John V.
Trevor
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 28, Issue 715, 27 March 1953, Page 14
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332THE AMATEUR THEATRE New Zealand Listener, Volume 28, Issue 715, 27 March 1953, Page 14
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