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Salient: Victoria University Students' Paper. Vol. 27, No. 13. 1964.

Introverted Hippo

Introverted Hippo

Victoria's Contemporary Arts group staged "Santa Claus." by E. E. Cummings. Its production was weak. Nigel Roberts and David Mitchell slouched around the stage as Santa Claus and Death respectively, the former strangely effective, reminiscent of an introverted hippopotamus imitating Marlon Brando. David Mitchell had one hand movement which he practised constantly, and the crowd scenes were lacking in vitality and production.

The play showed the corrupting influence of society on the virtues embodied in Santa Claus. Finally. Santa Claus becomes evil. The play itself had the potential to be most amusing and effective, but opportunities for imaginative production to capitalise on the lines and the useful rostrum set were not taken. Movement especially was bad.

Although the standard this year was higher than last year, and the plays more interesting, the production although competent, lacked real imagination and bold and meaningful use of movement especially.

The opportunity for societies to send a three-act play next year should provide a greater stimulus to producers and actors as well as making available a larger range of suitable plays.

Steve Whitehouse and Russell Campbell.