Modern Publicity Methods Diminish Incentive

Radio Record, Volume XII, Issue 25, 2 December 1938, Page 3

Modern Publicity Methods Diminish Incentive

Gaston Mervale On Actors of Today

sermpPHE stars of today rather remind me of Euclid’s definition of a point-position without magnitude." Old and experienced actor, Gaston Mervale said this to the "Record" at Auckland just before he sailed by the Wanganella after touring New Zealand with the J. C. Williamson Company playing "Balalaika"’ . and "The Desert Song." And Gaston ought to know what he is talking about, for he has

been on the stage for over 40 years, once acted with such stars as George Arliss, Nellie Stewart, Tittel Brune and Nance O’Neill This was Gaston’s fifteenth visit to New Zealand. His first was in 1897 when he came across from Australia with Julius Knight, who headed the Williamson Musgrove Company that played "The Prisoner of Zenda" and "The Sign of The Cross." , Company was under. the control of that great actor-manager J. C. Williamson, who knew both acting and managing in all its many departments and expected the rest of the company to have the same cualifications. Gaston Mervale considered modern methods of publicity robbed the actor of his incentive to "get" his public hones‘ly oy making the merit of the performance its own pub’icity. One modern phase of the stage that does not appeal to th's ojd trouper is the tendency, particulary jn rarsies! eomery. to obliterate the footlights. For instance, comedians became too intimate with those in front and, metaphorically speaking, shook hands with their audience. "To me, that smacks of trading real character and talent for a cheap bonhomie which masquerades as "personality," he added. "As a result. the eraft Inses much of the mystery and the dignity and respect which were inclvded among its inestimable assets. I think the former greatness of the stage can only be recaptured. by the return | of the actor-manager. I don’t | think it is by any means a forlorn | hope." | While in Auckland playing | Prince Karagin in "Balalaika" and the role of the Governor in | "The Desert Song," Gaston Mervale | renewed old friendships. Once he / spent a year or so in Auckland as producer for the Auckland Little Theatre Society and the other repertory society, the Catholic Repertory Society. Barrie’s favourite play "Mary Rose" in the Auckland Town Hall, Lord Bledisloe, then Governor-General, after the performance, said he had seen "Mary Rose" played by numerous professional companies in England but never so well as by Mr. Mervale and the other players who took part. | When Gaston produced | | | | | Gaston has left on his return to Adelaide to resume his work in establishing there a dramatic conservatorium for Australia. teil