The Locked Chest

The Drama Club's presentation of "The Locked Chest" did not gain a high place in the British Drama League Festival held in Wellington recently, but was commended on the way the dialogue was put over. The judge commented on the unusual interpretation of Masefield's play in comic vein, and thought it was executed as such. The performance in the Gym., which this reports, was without obvious general defects or technical hitches. Dennis Hartley saved the play from failure with a ludicrous portrayal of the lily-livered husband, a permissible conversion since Fanny Walker lacked the conviction and force of characterisation of Thorolf. the crux of the plot, and was unable to carry it off. Basia Goodman's sincere acting as the disillusioned wife kept the original dramatic level of the play, and also sustained an important part in the action. Her voice was rather subdued, but her acting and expression convincing. The seriousness of this part revealed by contrast the destruction of the author's intentions, but was not rendered incongruous. The importance of the play's message is not great enough of the sacrilege to be unforgivable. The avenging kin as portrayed by Derek Rose accorded with the burlesque tone, a purple hat enhancing his Icelandic fury.

All told it was a play which, followed faithfully, could have made fair dramatic entertainment, given more incentive to actors and producer, but which did not lose overmuch by its transformation.

The Drama Club's forthcoming three-act production of Eugene O'Neill's "Anna Christie" should give greater scope for emotional sincerity and acting ability.