Companies replacing Broadway
Visiting theater critic says Broadway turning to comedy,
companies need money to increase quality of serious plays
By Kathy Vaughan
Theatre resident companies are gradually replacing the Broadway stage as the center of serious and classical plays in America, Henry Hewes, theater critic with the Saturday Review, said yesterday.
Hewes is visiting KU this week as a guest lecturer and will attend University Theatre Repertoire Week performances.
"WITH BROADWAY performances concentrating more on comedy and musicals," Hewes said, "the 30 resident companies in the U.S. should be given financial help to increase the quality of their serious and classical presentations.
"England's resident companies are subsidized by the government and receive half their income in
this way." If only a fourth of the money could be gathered outside the theatre company in the United States, Hewes said he feels the quality of American resident companies would be vastly increased.
"The talent for these resident companies comes mainly from private drama schools or universities because these actors are trained in a variety of roles, including the classical and old revival of plays which many companies use," he said.
"DRAMA STUDENTS should be outgoing and have a resiliency so they will not have their spirits crushed by the criticism they may face on the Broadway stage.
Hewes' interest in the theatre began when he was 14 years old and worked in summer stock.
After he received his degree in dramatic arts from Columbia University, Hewes was a copy boy for the New York Times. He advanced to reviewing theatre performances, but later accepted a job as theatre critic with the Saturday Review.
Hewes employs a formula used by many critics. He organizes his story, first mentioning the idea the playwright wants to emphasize. Next, he discusses the performance and the actors, including the stage technicalities of setting and lighting. Hewes also compares the play with others of the same style.
Former dean leaves Hill for University of Zambia
John S. McNown, professor of engineering mechanics at KU's Center for Research in Engineering Science, will head the establishment of an engineering division at the University of Zambia, Central Africa.
McNown's, month leave from KU began Thursday. He will be chairman of five specialists on engineering education laying plans for a School of Engineering which will be responsive to the present and future needs of Zambia.
In speaking of the opening of the university, McNown said, "The University of Zambia is trying to break with European tradition. Too much of the higher education in Africa is better suited to the technology and culture of the Western World than it is to Africa."
McNown is former Dean of KU's School of Engineering and Architecture and presently the Albert P. Learned Distinguished Professor in engineering mechanics.
Pershing Rifles team snares fourth in nation
Twenty KU ROTC cadets captured four place at a Pershing Rifles national drill held at Champaign, Ill., last weekend.
Jeff Boyen, Leavenworth sophomore, was placed second in the individual drill category.
"We are very proud of Jeff's performance," said Richard Gustin. Kansas City sophomore and public information officer for Pershing Rifles.
Boyer was judged on his ability to perform the manual of arms. About 200 cadets from several universities competed.
Quantrill raid helpful Money for KU's first building, North College Hall, completed in the summer of 1866, came chiefly from surplus relief funds sent to rebuild Lawrence after Quantrill's raid.
ALTHOUGH MANY critics denounce any kind of formula. Hewes says it is a good pattern to rely on, with variations of emphasis according to the particular play. At times he emphasizes choreography or set design if it is unique.
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Hewes said his judgments are usually based on the effect of the whole play. In reviewing he suggests a critic be open-minded and ready to relate the author's theme even if he does not agree with it.
"A new slant given to each story may end up looking like a beginner's effort." Hewes said.
Daily Kansan
Friday, March 18, 1966
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