FILLING THE GAP

Ever since the much lamented resignation of Professor G. P. Baker, there has been very little constructive theatrical development among students, and as time goes on there seems to be even less chance of there ever being any vigorous development in that field. Of the clubs producing plays, only the Dramatic Club professes to be primarily interested in the theater, but various unfortunate circumstances seem to have prevented them from attaining their goal.

The opportunity for a constructive theatrical movement at Harvard is undoubtedly large, and there is every reason to believe that, should some purely dramatic movement get started, it would meet with success. It is not that the Dramatic Club is inherently inefficient, but that the very nature of such a large organization dependent on gate receipts, prevents them from devoting their entire attention to producing plays whose only recommendation is dramatic excellence. If a movement should be developed which would not find it necessary to be greatly concerned with financial gain and the inclusion of many members in the casts of their plays, but could rather concern itself with the problems of writing and producing plays, the present lethargy might be shaken off.

If it should be possible to develop some sort of an organization in which undergraduates could get some well founded, practical dramatic knowledge by producing good plays, the least advantage would be a sound appreciation of the drama. Such an asset would be a benefit not only to the individual but also to Harvard once so illustrious in the theatrical world.