Drama Society

Deep are the Roots

The questions of racial discrimination, inequality and persecution have been among the main issues of political and sociological thought of this century. The fact that the evidence of anthropology has so completely and convincingly disproved the theory of white superiority has not to any extent diminished the tenacity with which this theory is still held. Jews are still victimised in New Zealand; Aboriginals are denied education and civil rights in Australia, and Negroes are still lynched in America.

The tension and conflict which characterise the relationships between people of different national or racial groups provide excellent material for the dramatist, so it is not surprising that some of the best modern plays have been written around this theme.

"Deep are the Roots" is a recent play on the Negro question, written by two US Army veterans. It treats the subject in an unnecessarily emotional manner, but it is unique in that it presents anti-Negro feeling from almost every possible angle.

It was produced recently by Michael Benge and presented in a not quite finished state to an audience of Drama Club members and friends. The play, the acting and the production were so good that it is a pity that it was not performed publicly.

The producer had the unusual task of staging a play demanding a high standard of acting with a cast which had very little experience. This was not evident in their performance. Miss McKenzie as Alice, Miss James as Nevvy, and Mr. Tallboys as Senator Langdon, gave performances which showed an unusual sympathy and understanding of their parts. The other actors, particularly those in the three difficult Negro parts, were almost as good.

It looks as if the Drama Club, with this influx of competent players, is likely to recover its position as one of the important dramatic societies in the city.