Brigham Young University - Banyan Yearbook (Provo, UT)

Page 125 text:

Dramatics and the B. Y. U. Probably one of the most energetic forces in centering interest in the B. Y. U. this year has come from the Dramatic Art Department with Professor T. E. Pardoe at the head. The Little Theater Movement which for a time has been spreading all over the country has exhibited itself here in the organization of a Drama Circle which is associated with the Drama League of America whose purpose is to develop an appreciation for what is highest and best in drama. The local circle has brought into its midst the best talent in the state to illustrate its work. The purpose of the Dramatic organization has been three-fold: (ll To make money to finance the movements the department is taking; | 2 I To advertise the spirit of the school by making many and new friends; (3.) To give the students the practical experience of appearing before strange audiences. The biggest aim of the Dramatic An Department has been to present to the public that which is best, be it in the form of reading, orations or drama. This idea has been carried out in the two first-class plays that have been successfully presented. DISRAELI Disraeli. played by the faculty and alumni of the school was one of the biggest and most intellectual plays ever presented by the university. It was remarkably staged with beauti- ful lighting and costuming effects and was rendered before a large and appreciative audi- ence. The play is only typical of what the university expects to do to a larger extent next year. STOP THIEF Stop Thief. presented by the college was a tremendous success. The play is a clean, wholesome three-act comedy of modern life. Its purpose was to furnish fun and amusement to its audience which it certainly lived up to. The cast made a tour of five southern countries; presenting the play in the leading towns, besides playing in the important cities in Utah county and making a trip as far north as Jordan. ONE OF THE EIGHT One of the Eight. a rollicking comedy in three acts, was given by the fourth year class of the high school for the purpose of raising money to be contributed to the school. The play was cleverly staged and proved an immense success. ONE ACT PL. YS I nder the directions of the Drama Circle a series of six one-act plays were presented. The plays were coached and staged by members of the circle, to large and responsive audi- ences. Besides furnishing excellent training to those producing them, these plays gave to the audiences a form of eilucational entertainment much in contrast to the cheap picture shows now in vogue. Such work is hoped to be engaged into a greater extent next year.