Radio Plays

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 12, 4 October 1929, Page 8

Radio Plays

A New Feature JD=¥ESPITE the tremendous difficulties that beset the paths of both producer and actors, the radio play is one of the most entertaining and attractive items of present-day wireless programmes. It has for its prototype the initial efforts of the Middle Ages to produce a-"story of life.’ Performances took place in broad daylight in an openair theatre, and the audiences were ¢cdlied upon to- use their imaginative powers to the fullest extent, for the only means to create atmosphere in those days were by the use of placards and descriptive prologues. * ‘Likewise with the wireless play of to-day. When one considers the numerous and overwhelming advantages possessed by a theatre play or musical comedy over the radio play, one is astounded at the fascinating appeal that the latter makes to the listener. Setting, atmosphere, personality of actors and actresses, facial expression, all these are totally lacking "over the air," and yet, with the sole aid of yoice and voice inflection, a few sound effects, and perhaps a background of music, the broadcast play is certainly a great success. Although critics have claimed that the radio play is a poor substitute for the theatre, the two are really not comparable, as the former has now definitely produced its own art form, and is in effect a separate entity. ‘The most important qualities that eonstitute a good radio play are three im number, ie., witty or forceful diaJogue, strong and well-defined characterisations, and what is known as good "voice personality." Of these, diaJogue plays the most important part, as, unlike the theatre, no other compensations are present to conceal bad writing. All the peculiar conditions of studio plays are being gradually overcome and a wider and more ambitious prospect presents itself to the radio dramatist. Radio plays are now not only adapted from stage plays, but very frequently are written specially for broadcasting, and the new avenues opened up in the realms of drama by the development of this fascinating departure should engage the attentions of all playwrights. Among those plays recently present--ed by New Zealand stations, "Galapagos," as one of the finest entertain‘ments ever broadcast, was a complete -guecess. It is based on a story simiJar to Coléridge’s "Ancient Mariner," ‘and was so popular that numerous requests were received for its repetition. ‘These were acceded to, and ultimately -all the YA stations presented itt A more frequent presentation of similar radio plays would undoubtedly be universally appreciated.