Seven One-Act Plays

Radio Record, Volume VI, Issue 37, 24 March 1933, Page 23

Seven One-Act Plays

Favourable Review From: QYA.

TTHE volume, "Seven One-act Plays," which hag just been issued as a first contribution to the dramatic literature of New Zealand, was fayourably reviewed from 2YA by the 2YA book reviewer (Mr. H. ©. South), ou Monday evening last, "At the present time," he said, "dramatic societies are flourishing, and play reading has become quite a feature of club life, especially women’s clubs and women’s institutes, and any book that provides good acting or read-| ing plays, within certain defined limits. is sure of a hearty welcome. It must be remembered that most of the acting and reading of plays in New Zealand is done by amateurs who have very little time to study the niceties of drama. There are of course, « few .drama societies in the main centres whose performances reach a very high standard, and compare favourably with amateur work overseas. To all groups of people or individuals interested in drama, there has just been ‘published a book that should meet with a very warm welcome, "SVEN ONE-ACT PLAYS." published by the "N.Z. Radio Record," under the auspices of the New Zealand branch of the British Drama League, is a very satisfying volume. There are seven plays printed in the book, entitled :- "The Touchstone," by V, Targuse, "Tear," by V. Targuse. "Lantern Night," by Manie Inglis. "Epilogue," by C. N. Surrey Dane. "The Man Called Jones," by Eric Bradwell. "Tte-Union." by John Deane. "Rabbits," by V. Targuse. Your of the plays are typically New Zealand, with a New Zealand background. while one is based on an island in the Pacific, and the others are overseas stories, The judge has placed "The Touchstone" and "Fear? equal for first prize. -In my judgment "The Touchstone" is easily first. I like a play that tells a story and tells it definitely and completely, "The Touchstone" does this. Tt is an-episode in the lives of four people, and the story is complete and leaves a satisfying feeling when finished. And I think, if would act well, "Fear" is also good. more dramatic perhaps than "The Touchstone," and might easily develop into pathos if certain parts were not skilfully done. Tt could be overdone and so spoiled. "Rabbits." by the same author, is also very good, and falls little short of the other two, Tndeed. with the right acting or reading, i! could quite easily equal them, Mrs. Targuse,- the: author of these three pluys, has done ‘very. good work, These three are undoubtedly the bes! plays in the book, but "Lantern Light." by Manie Inglis, is also a good piece of work. The author has created a delightful ¢haracter in Janet, and the setting is:in Janet McGruther's cottage and garden, just out of a small New Zealand town. The dialogue is good. and this, play would act or read well. The other three plays are also yery creditable, "EXpilogue,’ by C. ‘N.

Surrey Dane, is a fantasy, and is in parts very clever, but would require skilful acting or reading, "The Man Called Jones," by Eric Bradwell, is a story of life in one of the islands of the Pacific, and tells the story well. It also would need skilful acting. "Reunion," by John Deane, is the story of a tragedy that has come into # family life, and the theme is worked out well. The publishers and authors are to be congratulated on this book, as are the sponsors, the New Zealand branch of the British Drama League. It is a real contribution to New Zealand literature." The reyiewer concluded by quoting the very sincere letter of appreciation contributed to the volume by Dame

Sybil Thorndike, to whom the book is dedicated. It is pleasing to know that this initial effort is meeting with a fayourable reception from the public. _ "Seven One-Act Plays" is available from leading booksellers or the publish ers, Radio Publishing Co., Ltd., P.O. Box 1032, Wellington. ;