Winthrop Drama

The Winthrop House Drama Society may have to cancel its production of "Brimstone and Treacle" because a film production company has purchased exclusive rights to the play.

Eames A. Demetrios '83, the play's director, said yesterday that Daish Associates, a theatrical rights clearinghouse in London, cabled him Wednesday to request that he stop rehearsals, which began November 1.

"I'm going to do everything I can to save the show," Demetrios said, adding that he has "about a 25 per cent chance of success."

Demetrios said he will try today to reach both the film company, whose name he did not know, and the play's author, Dennis Potter. Meanwhile, he will hold no more rehearsals.

If the film company will waive its rights, Demetrios said, the show will go up as scheduled December 3 at Winthrop House.

Philippe E. Krakowski '84, producer of the play, said yesterday that rehearsals started before he and Demetrios had heard from the publisher because they did not anticipate problems in obtaining rights to the show.

"Brimstone and Treacle" is unlike most plays produced at Harvard. Demetrios said. "Briefly, it's about a man who believes himself to be a demon. He visits a middle-aged English couple and rapes their daughter, who is in a coma."

The drama society will consider putting on another play if it cannot get the rights to "Brimstone and Treacle." Demetrios said