Chekhov Play Well Handled (Press, 22 August 1973)

Anton Chekhov's play "The Anniversary" was successfully adapted into a television production by the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation (N.Z.B.C.) despite being written 75 years earlier. Though the comedy's pacing and style might not resonate with modern audiences, the performances by the four main actors greatly contributed to the show's success. David Tinkham portrayed the bank chairman effectively, showcasing his vanity and concerns about maintaining the anniversary's decorum. Donna Akersten played his oblivious wife convincingly, while Alex Trousdell represented the troubled and eventually discontented clerk. Dorothy McKegg brought a surprising depth to her seemingly weak character, with Chekhov's humour adding to the overall enjoyment primarily through the quality of acting. In contrast, the N.Z.B.C. programme "The Befrienders" did not deliver the same level of engagement. It revolved around Miranda, a depressed character played by Jean Marsh, who displayed suicidal tendencies. The show leaned heavily towards melodrama, often feeling like it was prolonging the agony unnecessarily. Much of her emotional distress and interactions—such as calls to a helpline—had become clichéd, detracting from the overall effectiveness of the storytelling. The supporting character of a troubled doctor added some authenticity, but the programme's execution often mirrored the contrived emotional tones of early silent films. Additionally, the N.Z.B.C. Symphony Orchestra made a brief yet welcomed appearance during the evening’s programming, enhancing the cultural offerings that the N.Z.B.C. provided, which had started to include orchestral pieces more regularly. A segment from "World in Action" presented a thoughtful exploration of a Durham City councillor who openly identified as homosexual. It examined both public and peer reactions, portraying a nuanced view of the challenges and acceptance he faced, and was complemented by stunning scenic footage from the show's cameras. Overall, the review highlights the varying degrees of success among the evening’s N.Z.B.C. broadcasts, illustrating how the quality of performance and storytelling can significantly affect audience reception. The balance of dramatic content, particularly in productions like "The Befrienders," contrasted with the effective, if somewhat dated, execution of Chekhov's work and the progressive handling of societal issues in the "World in Action" segment.

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