On This “Fan” Business, Also Amateur Play-Reading.

Since the advent of sound films and the installation of “Talkie” equipment from Burma to Bolivia, Kenya to the Cocos Islands, Paraguay to the Philippines, and any other alphabetic juxtaposition the keen geographical student may suggest, we have smiled slightly to ourselves at the thought of the oily Eskimo, the turbaned Turk, the friendly Filipino, spending as many evenings as possible absorbing the sob and sex stuff of Hollywood enlivened by the croon of the crooner and the tap of the tap-dancer backed by all the resources of these million-dollar studios as described in any magazine for movie-fans.

* * *

Our slightly supercilious smile at the untutored savage is jerked from our faces at the thought that we, too, are dragged at the wheel of this greatest of American industries. Our very soul shivers with the sigh of Grabba Garta, and we wheeze at the antics of Sorrell and Lardy.

Perhaps it is good to “emote” (hideous neologism!) at the sight of others, but why not try to raise a crop of glycerine tears and side-splitting antics ourselves?

* * *

Why be always a “fan,” an onlooker at life? It's far more fun wallowing after the ball in some “Z” grade football game than to be one of the critics in the stand at a Rep. match; far more interesting attempting to write an essay or a poem of your own than studying Bacon or Pope; far more exciting paddling your own fourteen-foot canoe than paying your way on a pleasure cruise; far more worth-while attempting to improve your own playing or singing ability than attending all the celebrity concerts—and so on through the range of human activities. In other words, attempt always to live life at first hand, rather than secondhand.

* * *

Our devotion to the silver screen may be exorcised in part by encouraging the art of play-reading. The diminution in the number of good professional companies due to the world furore created by Hollywood, Elstree, U.F.A., has assisted the amateur stage. The repertory movement is flourishing. Even in New Zealand, repertory society productions are staged with such finish that the public has no hesitation in flocking to them. The British Drama League has recently gained firm footing in New Zealand. Amateur playwrights are being encouraged in their artistic labours. Play-reading circles all over the country are skipping in and out of parts with astonishing facility.

* * *

People fond of acting (and who isn't?) should take immediate steps to join a dramatic club. If play-reading has not yet claimed its votaries in your district, it will be very easy to form a club. Perhaps the local Women's Institute would form a play-reading circle; perhaps this activity can be added to those of a W.E.A. group.

Should a group of friends desire to form a play-reading circle, the matter is simply arranged. Meetings can, if necessary, be held in alternation at homes of members. I would suggest fortnightly meetings, and the imposition of a small subscription for the purpose of hiring sets of plays. (Later the circle may see its way to purchasing useful sets, such as books of one-act plays.)

Endeavour to include in each circle at least one person who has had some experience in play production, and allow that person every opportunity for constructive criticism. As soon as possible, prepare a play for performance, even if it be only a private affair in front of friends. Learn from your mistakes.

Think the matter over, discuss it with friends, and keep it in view as a winter activity.

* * *