Papurau Newydd Cymru

Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru

Cuddio Rhestr Erthyglau

16 erthygl ar y dudalen hon

MRS. GRUNDY'S JOTTINGS

IMil ARTHUR J. WILLIAMS, M.P.,…

IBARRY LOCAL BOARD AND THE…

BARRY ISLAND AS A SEASIDE…

THE POSITION OF THE BARRY…

LAST WEEK'S TRAFFIC RECEIPTS…

IS IT A SIN TO ATTEND A THEATRE…

Newyddion
Dyfynnu
Rhannu

IS IT A SIN TO ATTEND A THEATRE ? A WORD TO THE BARRY MINISTERS' UNION. To the Editor of the BARRY DOCK NEWS." DEAR SIR,-At a recent meeting of ministers in the Barry district the question arose as to whether or not it was proper to appear in character" when reciting dialogues, &c.. reference being undoubtedly made to the late performances of the Trial of John Barleycorn''—perhaps, one of the most forcible temperance lectures ever delivered in the district; and I understand that at the meeting alluded to the feeling of the majo- rity was averse to such appearances in character." Now, with every possible respect for the opinions of these reverend gentlemen, I venture to think that if this question were fully discussed in the columns of your paper the result might be beneficial to all concerned. By adopting the above heading, the controversy may be made more inclusive, as you will admit, Sir, that the performance of dialogues in character and the production of plays are very nearly akin. If it is wrong to perform in a play, is it not equally wrong to witness one ? and if it is wrong, then it becomes a sin. Personally, I fail to see any harm, not even after having carefully considered the whole subject with a mind totally unbiassed. Therefore, I shall be very glad to read any objections to the theatre which may be brought forward by your correspondents. A gentleman once stated to me that his objections to the theatre was because of the hypocrisy which he witnessed—men and women pretending to be what they were not. This was his idea of hypocrisy yet the word is derived from a Greek word signify- ing actor." Others, however, may have more valid objections to the threatre. I maintain that, pro- vided a proper censorship is exercised over it, the stage would prove-nay, it does prove—a powerful medium for educating the masses and improving their tastes. Of course, I know there are bad theatres; but it will not do to generalise in this case. One of our noted writers has said that the man who generalises is a fool." One man reads a book, and he alone gets the benefit arising from its study the same book is arranged in the form of a play, and, instead of one man readtng it, it is read, or recited, to perhaps a couple of thousand at the same time, in a way that appeals most strongly to the hearts of the spectators, thus a vast amount of time is saved. Moreover, a book resembles a photograph to a certain extent, for both lack colour and animation. One cannot form an accurate idea of the original from the photo- graph, but merely a general idea in like manner I maintain that one can get a far better idea of the sentiments and teachings contained in any booker by seeing the acting version of it performed (if; there be one) than by a perusal of it. On the stage the tale is endowed with both colour and animation-colour in the costumes and animation. in the facial expression, voices, and movements of the actors; and I think it will be generally admitted that the more vivid the representation the more lasting will prove the impression it makes. People may say, dogmatically, that theatres are bad places, and the people who attend such places wicked but rational people like to know, the why and the wherefore. Let them clearly state their views for the good of the community. In conclusion, let me express a hope, if this matter be. taken up, that your correspondents will not appear in character "-under an assumed name, but reveal their full identity.-—Thanking you in anticipation, I remain, Sir, yours faithfully, WALLACE DAVIES. Cadoxton, April 2n<J> J £ 94. ■ .7

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RESIGNATION OF POLICE-INSPECTOR…

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