A Peep into the Great Unknown

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 44, 16 May 1930, Page 1

A Peep into the Great Unknown

"Outward Bound"-a dramatization of . the hereafter-from OVA.

A Production of Mr. Victor S. Lloyd

ADIO plays are now firmly established in the favour of the listening public as one of "the most enjoyable . forms of broadcast enter- ‘ tainment, Their popularity ‘is, no, doubt, due to the fact that, unlike. most other forms of broadcast matter, it is necessary to page close attention from the beginning is to enjoy it. "It is impossible to*sead the evening paper and listen to a radio play as well. It is not generally realised that this type of play is much more difficult to produce than a stage play. For example, in the latter .both the visual and aural senses of the audience are appealed to, and little is left to the imagination. In the broadcast play, however, no matter how well produced, the only possible appeal is per medium of the ear. Thus, though this is only one of the number of serious disad_vantages existing, it may be quite edsily seen that to render a play over the air successfully is a difficult undertaking. . ree The. production of such a play is by no means an easy task. In the first place a suitable atmosphere must be created-one that is sufficiently strik- ing to arouse and grip the attention of: the listener. There are no stage

settings, dramatic entrees, or the like, the atmosphere must be created by sound effects ‘or by a vivid introductory description of the play scene. The listener must visualise the ‘setting, his powers of imagination, and upon the facility with which this is accom‘plished depends the success of the play. . QNE of the most striking and effec‘tive plays ever written for radio is "Outward Bound," a life-after-death drama which is to be presented on May 19 from 2YA by Victor S. Lloyd and Company. : This play is totally different from any other ever written. It deals with ‘the problem of life after death, and its strangely-assorted group of characters are all wonderfully drawn. It is a

play which makes large demands on the ability of the players. The entire action takes place on board ship, and it is an extraordinary ship; without eaptain, without port or starboard lights, without an engine-room and without a crew, save for Scrubby, the smoke-room steward. The passengers consist of a young "drunk," a clergyman, the head of a large business, a hyphenated woman of the world, a charwoman, and a strange young couple. The young "drunk" discovers that they are all dead and travelling to heaven and hell. At first the other passengers think his remarks are merely alcohol-inspired ravings, but when they find that he is right, their reactions to the situation are such as will grip listeners with > their’ trueness to life.

"Outward Bound" is a thought-pro-voking play, full of profound truths, but this does not mean that it is dull or unentertaining. On the contrary it is full of intensely dramatic moments which will hold listeners by their emotional power, and these are relieved by passages of comedy. "Outward Bound" will make listeners think, it will make them laugh and, perhaps, shed a teiir or two, but, above all, it will certainly interest them. 2: ae Reproduced herewith is the scene of the play. Several of the characters mentioned in the drama may be seen in the photograph.