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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 18, No. 2. March 18, 1954

Drama Club Presents — "Under The Sycamore Tree"

page 6

Drama Club Presents

"Under The Sycamore Tree"

One of our reporters, hearing rumours of an important new V.U.C. Drama Club production, decided to go to a rehearsal to find out more details about the play and its personnel. He was met at the door by production manager Gavin Yates: "Ah," he said, "you have heard of our new play—'Under the Sycamore Tree'!" "Yes!" our reporter replied, "can you tell Salient readers more about it?" "With pleasure—It is by the American playwright, Samuel Spewack, who has already been successful with such shows as 'Kiss Me Kate' and 'Boy Meets Girl'."

"Under the Sycamore Tree" is a delightful comedy full of satire and grand burlesque. We have only to consider the plot. A scientist of the ants who live under the sycamore tree, has learnt of some of the ways of human beings by listening to the wireless arid has decided that the ant colony needs some drastic reforms.

Ant Love

The action is mainly concerned with his progressive aims, such as bringing up the boy ant and the girl ant as human beings, or at least instilling in them that essential human quality—love or X. As he goes on his merry way, the scientist provides situations for Mr. Spewack to give us an ant's eye view of human beings, telling us to consider the ways of the ant and be wise.

"You will agree that the basic idea has possibilities and in his dialogue (with cracks about "The Reader's Digest", the human's love habits, etc.), Spewack doesn't disappoint. Overseas critics, both highbrow and low-brow have raved—"Mr. Spewack's ingenious Fable"; "This brilliant satirical play"; Mr. Spewack's comedy of love-and-liberallsm inside an ant-hill reaches the Jackpot" etc., and J. C. Trewin has chosen "Under the Sycamore Tree" as one of the plays of the year—1953.

The play ran for months in London and we are happy and proud to give the first New Zealand Performance of the play."

Huge Set

Gavin then took us into the rehearsal room where Tony Treadwell was pondering over plans for the set. "We have an almost super-human task here, but thanks to a substantial grant from the exec, we shall manage." Our reporter had a look at the plan, and immediately became enthusiastic—it was really Under the Sycamore Tree with massive tree trunks, ant's tunnels, sycamore leaves, etc. "Do you mean to say we will see all this on the actual stage?" "Yes." replied Tony, "[unclear: Job.]" Wright, the stage manager and his team have started on construction already, and . . ."

"Quiet, please!" said a voice behind them. It was the producer. Mrs. Nida Martin, getting down to tintacks. "Ian. I want you to move centre right and kiss Melda's hand. You are now in love with each other. Is that too uncomfortable for you. Melda?" Mrs. Martin certainly gave the impression that she knew what she wanted and our reporter wasn't surprised to hear that she has Just returned from extensive study overseas.

Now the Cast . . .

Melda O'Reilly, who plays "The Queen of the Ants" has appeared successfully in a number of theatrical ventures both at V.U.C. and elsewhere

Pauline Kermode, who plays "the Girl" has appeared with "The Thespians" and in Repertory major productions. At V.U.C. her record is impressive: 'The Rivals". "Cockpit". "To Hell With You". (Tournament play), and various one act plays.

Ian Rich, who plays the Scientist, has concentrated mainly on character parts, having appeared in the W.C.S. production "The Skin of Our Teeth", as Mrs. Ahtobus and in Spring 1600. Tournament and British Drama League Plays, and "High Tea" for V.U.C. Drama.

John Treadwell, who plays the Chief Statistician, has had a successful career with V.U.C. Drame Clab, appearing in "Cockpit" and [unclear: varicos] one act plays.

David Mummery, who plays "The General" has also appeared in "Cockpit" and various one-act plays.

Chris Beeby, who plays "The Boy" is well known in; French Club circles and has also appeared in V.U.C. Drama one-act plays.

Owing to space limitetions. Dr. Cussie's article on the University of New Zealand has been held over to next week.