Eastern High School of Commerce - Eastern Echo Yearbook (Toronto, Ontario Canada)

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MODERN HIGH SCHOCL DRAMATICS VIMY CARMICHAEL, 4S2 IN the modern theatre, there are two groups-those who believe in obey- ing implicitly practical stage direc- tions and those of independent spirit who choose to intensify the beauty of plays by effective lighting and imag- inative acting. In the high schools of Canada, there is an ever-growing band of devotees to this second group with a new sense of dramatic values. In Toronto, the schools are responding enthusias- tically to the new movement. Central Commerce has produced many beautiful plays, prominent among which was Rocks, a drama of northern Ontario. In that play, there was very little action. Emotion, action and time were all interpreted by Warm, living light. In addition, the rise and fall of each character's emo- tions were portrayed by a trio of dancers and appropriate music. The whole effect was exquisitely lovely. At Central Technical the students recently presented their dramatized personification of Rhapsody in Blue. Dancing, light and music all combined to complete the beautiful picture. In our own school the students are gradually becoming educated to the marvellous possibilities of the modern drama. Our introduction to modern methods of production came when Mr. G. B. Woods was transferred here from Central Commerce. Under his direc- tion, we presented at last year's school concert an idealistic drama called The Lovely Miracle. The series of powerful dramatic presentations continued with Masefield's The Corn- ing of Christ. In both of these plays the lighting played a great part in gripping the attention of the audience. This year's school concert play, The Thirty-1-wo AT EVENTIDE ADA JONES, 4S2 The shadows creep across the .-.-.-.'.-.'a'.-.'.-.'.-.'.r.-.'..'.'.-.-.'. .- z rt Q mfnbenbg O U2 cu ...Eggdg '1 C v- 25-'SigfD.2:4BvQbfDg1:. S95 QUJO CD00 5,4 mga, 1759 C. HIUQ QI?-9 ::',..,v1s:- U1 :1....O.-U2 S5 'O F,' 0 SDMCDU' pg 5 1+ O 02792 D., 3 fp.-.4 ,Q ,D CD CD25 cn. H. E, v4 Sam rf- QD 'U Q gmc rv- CD 4 :QD O O CD ms:-GJ 2-J v1 5' P1 -- C, 5 CD 1-+ 11.520 ,Q 2 5. sg :gow 5 99 5 rv- Q52 H' S r-f- D' CDCIU S Q. : fn msn... --.-.-.- -.-..-..-.-.- gl fi Pi D' O 3 cn 1-+ co II! in-E .. 5 5 r-. CD 0 C3 5 5 3. -e Q2 E s v g N 2 rr- 2 9 r S' rn O gs? cn 0 cn so 2 5 .1 93, 5' IS' I UQ compare At Eventide. A thousand stars do now ap- ' At Eventide. ,4'-Fh'-'-'-'u5-l'-'-'-'-'-'h'-'-'-'-F-'-'-'i'-Fu'- Land of H eart's Desire, developed still further the idealistic drama. In class rooms, too, the modern drama is making itself felt as an in- tegral part of harmonious school life. Class productions are encouraging a community spirit that is sure to help in other studies. It is to be hoped that the students' appreciation of this new movement will increase and add to the impetus now being given the modern drama in high schools. EASTERN ECHO

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THE LITTLE CHIEFTAIN'S GATHERING GEORGE OUR small friend from the grocery store at Glasgow came to visit us at Skye very late in the season. He had a very happy week at our lovely island and was fortunate to get fav- orable weather, which allowed him to see some of the sights, in company with Rory Rang, Sandy Macdonald and myself. We tramped over hills and heather to his heart's content. He was particularly fond of us bairns at the school, and we often flocked round him and squabbled about who was to walk next to him and carry his knapsack, and the smaller ones would try to tell him of their day's experience in school. Hae lang dae ye mean tae stey wi' us? I asked. I'd like fine to stay a month, but I doubt I'll have to content myself 'with three weeks. Oh! That's fine! I said. We must plan an expedition next Satur- day. Mr. Gordon invited us all over to his schoolhouse, to spend the evening and we thought that walking over would be fun for all of us. He was delighted, but next morning just when prayers were over, a knock came to the door and standing there was the dejected Little Chieftain. The very ribbons on his bonnet drooped. I've just had some terrible news, he announced, and I have got to tell you. I have had a telegram from Sandy Brown, my assistant in Glas- gow. He has broken his leg, and I must return at once. Our exclamations of consternation echoed throughout the room and we completely forgot discipline and thronged around him to shake hands and say mournful good-byes to our kind old friend. Now we'll not have the party we planned! several exclaimed. EASTERN ECHO SOUTAR, 3A Ah! But children, I will be back before Christmas to finish my holi- days and then we'll have a fine party. So good-bye for now, he said with a forced smile. When he was gone, a loneliness fell on us for a time, but frequent letters and postcards came from him, and at last we received the good news that he hoped to be in Skye in a week to resume his holiday. We were all joyous and agreed to give him a party at Rory's house to welcome him back, and also because it was his birthday. We struggled across the moor and found the kitchen a welcome haven. A fire of peat lit up the features of the spinners, whose wheels were whirring, and a couple of large lamps. swinging from the rafters, gave light to other people who were making things ready. Practically every household was represented. Ian sang an old Skye love song. It was a lovely song, but the Lowlanders present did not know the words. Our Chieftain appeared and there were stories, music and dancing. Fin- ally an old woman of the village, in careful, labored English addressed our guest, wished him every good thing on his birthday, and gave him a little bag of untanned sealskin. which she solemnly proclaimed con- tained a Celtic charm of great power. which would ensure him the best of good luck. Old Ian presented him with a pouch of tobacco, and then Janet gave him a shoulder brooch for his plaid. Our Chieftain was quite beyond words to express his surprise and appreciation, and twice had to wipe his eyes. Then, as was the old cus- tom, we all gathered round him and sang, Auld Lang Sync. Thirty-one

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MID-YEAR HONOR STUDENTS Bock Row: A. Cottom, B. Rutland, J. Wholley. Middle Row: I. Massey, G. Bortle, M. Liesmer. Front Row: C. Conroy. I. Coleman, R. Levy, J. Horinett. WINDOW PANE IMAGERY DOLLY SMITH, 452 IN a tiny cot, on a snow-white pillow. lies a head-a head topped with unruly copper curls. The thoughtful baby eyes gaze upon a winter scene. The scene is framed by a blue-print curtain tied with a satin ribbon. There is a winding path to a cozy little cottage, tucked away from the wind, near a hill. Tall poplars, snow- enshrouded, fringe the way. A mighty oak with ghostly boughs stands near a hedge as if to scare intruders away. A gay stream twinkles over the ice- coated pebbles. Over the bridge comes a coach. drawn by six milk-white horses. Their hoofs clatter on the hard snow. Decorative plumes adorn EASTERN ' ECHO -11 -n1n 1n ii- their shining harness. The driver sits stiflly holding the reinsg a prin- cess rides within. She waves a gloved hand in greet- ing as they pass. Now comes the tragic transformation. A fiery orb rises in the background. A flood ensues. Cottage. trees, bridge, coach, princess and all are drowned. On, on. triumphant in its glory, the torrent Hows over the window sash making a pool on the sill. Poor princess! Poor horses! Oh. it's going to drown baby too! No. A slender hand mops up the flood with something. Loving lips kiss baby's forehead and all is well. Thirty-three