Drama Club A.G.M.

Thirty students attended the Drama Club's A.G.M. Too few for a college of this size. And only 10 freshers.

The club's activities for 1952 were reviewed and discussed. The president, in his annual report referred to enthusiasm displayed at the annual general meeting, and the elected committee's corresponding vigour in planning a comprehensive programme for the year, on the assumption that activities would be well supported. Unfortunately their hopes did not materialise. The number of activities which had to be postponed, or cancelled because of lack of support was disheartening.

Nevertheless, those members who were keen did some good work. The usual programme of one-act plays was presented in the Little Theatre: the regular study weekend was held at Mr. John Weight's residence at Waikanae. Several plays were rend and a good time was had by all in spite of the arrival of some (would-be) revellers at 4 a.m. (3 a.m.) on Saturday morning. G. B. Shaw's "Poison. Passion and Petrification." with Gavin Gates as producer, travelled to Christchurch for the inter-col lego Drama Festival. This entry did not meet with the success it deserved, but it was well received by the audience. A successful School of Drama was held earlier in the year, and its success la due to the efforts of the organiser, Mr. Gavin Gates. Other highlights, an evening of dramatic recordings (including Miller's "Death of a Salesman") and dramatic records involving the production of a "farce" by a New Zealand author, Margot Doth, for the British Drama League.

Everyone will agree to the success of the club's major production. "Cockpit" which was directed by Brian Brimer. Casting was difficult, but those chosen worked hard and earned praise that was both lavish and gratifying.

What of the future? The committee, in supporting the drama groups in the city in their successful efforts to persuade the City Council to purchase the Paramount Theatre, has assured the clubs of a theatre in which to stage its major productions. Another full-scale production is planned to take place sometime in June. The play chosen is "Spring 1600." a comedy with a large Variety of good parts. Elsie Lloyd will produce.

Other activates will of course, depend on the keenness of each individual member. The Drama Club may be called a clique, but on close observation it will surely be admitted that there are absolutely no barriers for enthusiasts. We can hardly blame the club for more or less outlawing those unfortunates who regard the Drama Club as merely another vehicle for the furthering of their already inflated egos. Drama is not only an opportunity to stand in a spotlight, and any member of the college who has the same idea, will be sure of a welcome by the club Those who are keen watch the notice board or contact one of the following elected officers.

President: Bill Sheat; Men's Vice-President: John Wright; Women's Vice-president, Pauline Kermode; Secretary, Gavin Yates; Treasurer: Bruce Hill; Committee, Mary Ann Turner, Ross Gilbertson, John McLean, Grahome Patchett and Ian Rich.