Date: Thu, 27 Jun 2002 17:39:15 -0400
Subject: Re: PUPT: Olive Blackham's Experimental Theatre


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--Boundary_(ID_8MN3Mar4/wzREuM8McIe8w)

Thank you Ray for typing this in.  It is wonderful to know what puppeteers were doing during the first puppetry renaissance.  A remarkable lady indeed.

Mary Robinette Kowal
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Ray DaSilva
  To: puptcrit-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu
  Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2002 4:42 AM
  Subject: Re: PUPT: Olive Blackham's Experimental Theatre


  For anyone interested in this remarkable lady and an insight into puppetry going on in the 1920's I have copied the following from a handwritten Roneo-duplicated sheet the following.
  "The Ark
  A Private Experimental Theatre
  Second Year 1927-1928
  To prevent any misunderstanding, we feel that it cannot be too clearly stated that the Ark is not run merely to entertain; it is a puppet theatre workshop, or studio, where we can experiment in every form of theatre activity in miniature. It is the outcome of a revolt against the cramping conditions the modern playwrights have imposed upon theatre and against spiritual weariness their fare induces. We are experimenting with puppets in the belief that they can lead the way to a more beautiful and satisfying theatre. We invite an audience occasionally to test the results of our experiments and also to provoke interest and discussion, and we are beholden to all who bring to our shows those interested in the art of the theatre.
  The results of the last few months work can be seen at the Ark on 10, 12, 14 16 of December at 7.30 when the same play "Lima Beans" by Alfred Kreymbourg will be given in three different ways, (1) by the puppets themselves (2) by human actors who have not seen puppets (3) by human actors influenced by puppets. . . . . .
  A GRUMBLE ! It will hardly be disputed that physical comfort is a helpful condition for the full appreciation of a play, and we think that the audience might be a little kinder to themselves in this respect than they have been hitherto. The Ark is small and consequently the number of seats is not large. Due consideration of these facts should lead them to let us know as soon as possible, the day they wish to come and the number of seats they will require. Having made their decision known, let them carefully guard themselves from all accidents in order to be able to keep their appointment, but not in their zeal, arrive with twice the number arranged for. Only thus can we ensure their comfort and our own sanity. Admission will only be by programme 1/6d, obtainable from Miss O. D. Blackham, 10 Melton Road, King=92s Heath, or any other member of the theatre. No one can be admitted without a programme for fear of overcrowding. Door open 7.10, Close 7.30. Performance 7.30 - 9.0"
  Ray DaSilva
  email  dasilva-AT-puppetbooks.co.uk
   Website  http://www.puppetbooks.co.uk


--Boundary_(ID_8MN3Mar4/wzREuM8McIe8w)

HTML VERSION:

----- Original Message -----

From: Ray DaSilva

To: puptcrit-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu

Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2002 4:42 AM

Subject: Re: PUPT: Olive Blackham's Experimental Theatre

For anyone interested in this remarkable lady and an insight into puppetry going on in the 1920's I have copied the following from a handwritten Roneo-duplicated sheet the following.

"The Ark

A Private Experimental Theatre

Second Year 1927-1928

To prevent any misunderstanding, we feel that it cannot be too clearly stated that the Ark is not run merely to entertain; it is a puppet theatre workshop, or studio, where we can experiment in every form of theatre activity in miniature. It is the outcome of a revolt against the cramping conditions the modern playwrights have imposed upon theatre and against spiritual weariness their fare induces. We are experimenting with puppets in the belief that they can lead the way to a more beautiful and satisfying theatre. We invite an audience occasionally to test the results of our experiments and also to provoke interest and discussion, and we are beholden to all who bring to our shows those interested in the art of the theatre.

The results of the last few months work can be seen at the Ark on 10, 12, 14 16 of December at 7.30 when the same play "Lima Beans" by Alfred Kreymbourg will be given in three different ways, (1) by the puppets themselves (2) by human actors who have not seen puppets (3) by human actors influenced by puppets. . . . . .

A GRUMBLE ! It will hardly be disputed that physical comfort is a helpful condition for the full appreciation of a play, and we think that the audience might be a little kinder to themselves in this respect than they have been hitherto. The Ark is small and consequently the number of seats is not large. Due consideration of these facts should lead them to let us know as soon as possible, the day they wish to come and the number of seats they will require. Having made their decision known, let them carefully guard themselves from all accidents in order to be able to keep their appointment, but not in their zeal, arrive with twice the number arranged for. Only thus can we ensure their comfort and our own sanity. Admission will only be by programme 1/6d, obtainable from Miss O. D. Blackham, 10 Melton Road, King=92s Heath, or any other member of the theatre. No one can be admitted without a programme for fear of overcrowding. Door open 7.10, Close 7.30. Performance 7.30 - 9.0"

Ray DaSilva
email  dasilva-AT-puppetbooks.co.uk
 Website  http://www.puppetbooks.co.uk