One-act Play Competition (Press, 27 August 1983)

The 1983 Shell Festival of Community Plays took place at the Ngaio Marsh Theatre in Christchurch, organised by the New Zealand Theatre Federation on 26 and 27 August. This event highlights the finals of the national one-act play competition, showcasing the best talent from various drama groups across the country. The festival featured seven selected plays, chosen from over 100 productions, demonstrating a high standard of creativity and performance. The Canterbury District of the Federation hosted both the finals and the Annual Theatre Federation Conference, with Mrs Margaret Sadler Watson of Tauranga serving as the judge. The festival was inaugurated by Christchurch's Mayor Sir Hamish Hay, followed by performances of three of the seven plays. One of the first plays, "Nightbird," written and directed by Clare Corridan for the Northland Players, Kaikohe, explores interactions in a New Zealand university town where a young man invades the bedroom of a lesbian student who unexpectedly returns from a vacation. The play examines themes of dominance and submission between genders, with a strong feminist underpinning. However, its length detracted from its overall impact, as it missed key opportunities for dramatic exits. Marguerite Vanderkolk's portrayal of the young woman reflected a credible sense of fear, while Chris Blenkinsopp's performance as the young man maintained an ambiguous intent that engaged the audience. "Drink the Mercury," directed by Heather Giles for the Rangiora Dramatic Society, follows the tragic story of mercury poisoning in Minamata, Japan, through a blend of didactic storytelling and Japanese mime. The ensemble's use of masks and traditional clothing, along with musicians playing authentic Japanese instruments, added depth to the performance. The narrative centers on a family's struggle against unresponsive authorities, highlighting the severe and lasting effects of mercury on the nervous system. The simplicity and emotional impact of the play resonated strongly with audiences. Another notable performance was "Out of the Flying Pan," a parody by David Compton, directed by Mickie Reid for the Globe Theatre, Dunedin. This play satirises civil service jargon and the absurdities of political negotiation. The comedic execution proved challenging, yet the production was praised for its fluency. John Reid's portrayal of Character B was particularly commendable for its striking presence and clear diction, while Beverley Reid's performance as Character A effectively conveyed the piece's dynamics. This successful execution ultimately led to this performance being favoured during the adjudication. Overall, the festival showcased a diverse array of topics and styles, providing an engaging platform for community theatre in New Zealand and highlighting the continued importance of dramatic arts in addressing social and political themes.

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