Sibling rivalry at Theatre
In it’s 70th year, the Matamata Dramatic Society is serving up a serious comedy.
Present from the Past is a two act play, written by Richard Everett.
It follows three adult siblings Howard, Rachel and Frances Templeton, also joined by Rachel’s husband Colin, who gather to clear out the home of their recently deceased mother.
Questions of inheritance, personal justice, forgiveness and acceptance are raised in this sharply observed and unsparing play.
Cast member Hilton Woodroofe says it’s a serious comedy, but his character Colin breaks some tension.
‘‘My role is more like light relief. My character Colin is likeable and quite naive and very enjoyable to play.’’
Colin is joined on stage by Ron van de Molen, Denise Wilson and Eileen Weal. The play is under the direction of Sandra Clarke.
Woodfroofe hopes people will come away satisfied with their hard work.
‘‘We have to entertain and hopefully we will put on a very well rehearsed, professional show that people will enjoy having seen.
‘‘Acting teaches you to be reliable and professional, you want to deliver the goods.‘‘
Woodroofe says the Dramatic Society is normally known for its comedies, but they recently had two one act plays, each one 40 minutes long. He says it went down quite well and made him realise how eclectic the audience is.
‘‘They were very serious, and we attracted new members. It made me appreciate the fact people enjoy dramas. We are called the Dramatic Society after all...it’s like a good movie, a good play engages you and your emotions, people always find something they can relate to.
‘‘We are here to entertain people, in Matamata we are very lucky to have both the Musical Theatre and Dramatic Society. At the Dramatic Society we can put on dramas and comedies and they are popular with the same people.’’
Present from the Past runs from September 17 to 24, curtain up at 8pm. The matinee is on September 18 at 2pm
Tickets are available from Gifted.