Drama Club view criticised

The demand by the Drama Club for exclusive use of the theatre has brought criticism from one other club which uses the theatre.

Film Society president Nevil Gibson told Salient that the Drama Club's statement was an extremist one which leaded to obscure genuine criticism of the management of the theatre.

"If the Drama Club thinks that theatre is designed primarily for theatre then it is being impossibly impractical." he said.

"But it certainly does have a justifiable grievance when it mentions the number of outside bookings.

"Instead of trying to hog the whole theatre for itself the Drama Club should attempt to work with other clubs which use the theatre exclusively for their activities, such as the Film Society, and try to ensure that the theatre is run primarily for the advantage of those clubs.

"At the moment the Film Society and its members are unable to hold regular weekly screenings and have to be squeezed in between other bookings," Mr Gibson said.

Sometimes the Film Society cannot show films in the theatre for more than a month, and is forced to use less desirable places.

Mr Gibson said he supported the Drama Club's desire to improve drama facilities, but emphasised that his society had bought various film equipment for the theatre and it was "unreasonable" of the Drama Club not to consider other clubs' needs.

"The Drama Club certainly hasn't impressed me with its ridiculous statements', he said.

"But if it is willing to talk sense, then perhaps we might co-operate in order to extract a better deal from the Union authorities.

"Moves to improve the theatre's equipment are unfortunately hampered by lack of finance, and the Film Society suffers in turn by not being able to offer its members the best in screening facilities.

"And the Drama Club's attitude won't get us more money when we need it," he said.