"To the Editor of the "NogrH-CHiNA Darcy News"
Sm—It appears to "be general knowledge that, in deciding on the future programme of the season, the Committee of the A.D.C. seems inclined to advocate the presentation, particularly, of comedies because of the success recently obtained with "Tovarich," by which success the Committee jumps to the conclusion, apparently, that the Shanghai public, in these days, wants comedies.
If this is so, then an obvious mistake is surely being made. for, from gleaned in many quarters, the success of last week's A.D.C. show was undoubtedly due to four main features, namely, the "humaneness" Of ihe play itself, good production, good stage-management plus settings, and, last but not least, he incorporation of as strong a cast as is possible Shanghai. The fact that "Tovarich" was a comedy was purely incidental.
"I am not a member of the A.D.C. being just one of the ordinary general Public, and as such I would say thai if the Committee selects good plays in the future and can have them well produced, well staged and well cast, successes will be obtained irrespective of whether the plays are comedies, dramas or thrillers.
In support of my contention, the various "movies," during the last few every instance where the "show" has it as been well When, however, I remember the grandparents, uncles and aunts the number is increased indefinitely.
I am able to support this number of individuals because of the comparatively low wages they receive. It is of course very pleasant to have a butler and a lady's-maid—perhaps that is one of the attractions of life in the Far East—but they can be dispensed with. If wages are sent sky-high by labour unions I should promptly dismiss 5 and do what others; have to do in countries where wages'are at a high level.
This means that only 20 would be receiving rice at my hands. What then becomes of the other 25? Will J.A. please tell me—Join the Army?
Feeper or Many Mourns.
Shanghai, Jan. 21.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.