The letter from Praycoen in the correspond-fence columns referring to the programme fof productions for the season by the Amateur Dramatic Club of Shanghai is indicative of the Interest which the public takes in its work, and to that extent it is to be welcomed. It is permissible to state that the Committee responsible for the selection of plays is by no icans committed to the production of comedies lone, and it is merely a coincidence that "Tovarich" happened to be presented after the sulecessful production of "Someone at the Door." The former play was actually chosen for presentation the year before last, but circumstances occurred which led to it being deferred until this season and even then there was some doubt nether the curtain would ever be raised on The selection of suitable plays is governed number of factors not the least important which is the occasional diMleulty of adequately Miling the casts, and there have been times when a proposed play has had to be abandoned simply because of the inability to secure the proper type of players for particular roles. This season the Club held an audition of people who wished to take part in the Club's produetions, and as a result new talent was discovered some of which has already been incorporated the Club's productions snd some of the rest may be expected to take part Inter. itis an open secret that the A.D.C. has 4 it is produced it is believed it will serve to convince Prayeoen that the Club Is not committed to any particular type of play. It has its diMeulties, however, not the least of which arises from the large' number of departures from Shanghai and the reduction in the amount of available talent. "Tovarich" has been one of the Club's greatest successes for many year. as witness the large attendance at the extra performance on Thursday night. That was due {fo the incorporation of alt there qualities which Piaycorn claims are necessary, and in this con nection it should be pointed out that the excellent work of the actors and actresses was thoroughly well supported by the fine settings by Mrs, K. E. Newman and the able stage pi duction of Mr. F. G. Gmehling.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.