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Members of the Dramatic Society  January 28, 1965



Cast of the play 'Dear Brutus'
 
On November 20th and December 1st the Port Hope High School Dramatic Society presented 'Dear Brutus' by [J M] Barrie.
The play concerned a group of varied people who, in a mysterious mood, were given a chance to live their lives over again. Many of the characters made surprising discoveries about themselves. The play was set at the turn of the century. The setting and costumes recaptured the Edwardian scene.
The cast included experienced performers; Lynn Cameron, Susan Reisler, Linda Guy, Susan Bird and Thom Fowler. Also, many talented newcomers were Don Boughen, Paul Bailey, Elizabeth Wood, Faye Everson, Geoffrey Coopman and DOON Fenton. These performers must be commended on successfully bringing to life the unusual characters in the play.
Both student and adult attenders enjoyed the production and heartily applauded the work of the members of the Dramatic Society.



French Club
 
This year in the Kawartha District Drama Festival PHHS entered its first play acted in French. This was a tremendous undertaking and indeed it was highly successful.
The play, which was directed by Miss Hammond from our French department, was put on by members of the French Club in French under the auspices of the Drama Society. The actors in 'La Lettre Chargée', Judy Dent, Robert Cottrell, Denise Green and Paul Cowan all won recognition in their own field. Judy Dent won the best actress award in the Kawartha District Drama Festival and also the best actress award in the Ontario semi-final defeating Orillia actresses. Robert Cottrell was runner-up best actor in the Kawartha District Drama Festival and best actor in the semi-finals. Both Denise and Paul were mentioned by the adjudicator Dennis Sweeting as candidates for best supporting actor and actress. The play itself 'La Lettre Chargée' by Eugene Labiche, won the top award in the Kawartha District Drama Festival and also was first in the Ontario semi-finals.
In his adjudication at the Kawartha District Drama Festival Mr Sweeting took particular note of the costuming. Miss Pochon was in charge of costuming and the players wore authentic French costumes. The staging and lighting were handled by the PHHS Drama Society. Christine McMahon took care of props and she also provided the audience with a brief summary of the play in English. Donna Baptist prompted and Mrs Fredericks offered her services in make-up.
Because they were the best play in this district PHHS won the chance to go to Hart House in Toronto to compete with five other schools from the whole province of Ontario.
The players were billeted in the homes of high school students. They were entertained at a luncheon at the Park Plaza Hotel where Ken Watts, who was in charge of the Ontario Drama Festival, spoke to them. Of course in between periods of entertainment, the six plays were presented.
Our play was very well received by the Hart House audience. There were many French people present and their laughter throughout the performance provided a great inspiration to those performing.
The adjudicator, William Beedles was very pleased with the play and although we did not win the prize for the best play, Judy Dent won the award for the best actress in Ontario. So PHHS picked up one award out of a total of three possible awards.
This was a tremendous achievement for our school and these teachers and students have widened the path for next year's troup who will take all three prizes.



Stage Committee