The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-04-19

the department of dramatic litera- ture. Strangely Macbeth was the vehicle chosen for this initial ven ture. with the faculty director and his
 wife in the leading roles. Perform ances were given at Selma. Marion, Tuscaloosa and Birmingham
 '"rhe next year Twelfth Night was produced, and l. who had entered the
 university that fall, was given the part of Sebastian, and this began my connection with the Blackfriars. After
 graduation, and three years in New
 York, I came back to the university
 in 1916 as professor of dramatic litera
 ture and became director of the
 Blackfriars. The policy of the organ ization was changed and modern
 drama was made the main interest
 rather than Shakespeare" Dr. Strode
 continued. Among the big spring pro
 auctions for the following years were
 such popular comedies as Wilde's The
 Importance of Being Earnest A. F.
 Thomas Her Husbands Wife, and
 Thompson Buchanan's A Woman's
 Way Much talent from Birmingham
 was represented in these plays, Chap pei Cory, Fucker Agee, Rowan Oden, William H. Brantley, Kirkman Jack son, Irene WaIdhurst, Beryl Rogers,
 Sylvia Aird appearing in important roles.
 Early in the past December pro auction of one-act plays for a brief three days tour was made more mo- table by the first appearance as an ac- tor of man who had achieved na- tional prominence. This was Joe Sewell, star shortstop of the world champion ship Cleveland Indians. His first part was that of Ezra in 'Neighbors," sup porting Armstrong Cory and Louise Knudsen. Of course, Joes name swelled the box office receipts, and he proved to be such good comedian. that, after another season with the Cleve- land team, he will probably go into vaudeville. Unfortunately, Joe will not be able to appear with the Blackfriars again this year, for he is now playing in the American League games.
 This semester I introduced into the university curriculum course in play writing. officially known as English X-10 This playmaking Is really a CO., ordination with the work of the Black friars. From applications I selected 15 students who have had some experience in writing and some talent, and began giving them the fundamentals of dra- matic composition. Thus far, we have interested ourselves chiefly in the one act play which I believe is best suited for beginners. Already several credi- table plays have been written, and these have been produced by my class in act ing. By combining the work of the two courses, the authors have an oppor- tunity of seeing their own plays pro- duced, and may make such changes as they see fit during the rehearsals.l I encourage the class to lay the scenes of their play in Alabama when possible. believe that this is especially advis- able in that they naturally write bet ter of the people and places they know best. In the future expect to produce number of plays with local settings and present them in all parts of the state.
 The prize play of this year. From Bug -Tussle to Birmingham written by MT. Lancelot Hendricks. belongs to this type. MT. Hendricks is himself from Walker county, and he has laid the scene of his play in Walker county mining camp, locality he knows we'll The play has to do with a young girl who is tired of the camp life and de- cides to go to Birmingham to work. but is prevailed upon to abandon the idea. However, she is determined, and even the remonstrance of the Holy Roller preacher has no effect, nor has the shotgun of her brother. a religious fanatic. Incidentally, MT. Hendricks will make his first appearance with the Blackfriars in the part of the Holy Roller preacher.
 MISS Florence Kennedy's play. Muf- fins, which won second place in the contest. is very delightful comedy of manners. Miss Mary Gaines won third place with a rather grim tragedy called The Ghost Warden am saving these for future productions.
 T have been especially pleased with the interest which has been taken in this new department by prominent peo pie over the state. At each place the Blackfriars played on the recent road trip we were urged to present our own plays in their towns. The students themselves are all enthusiastic and work like Trojans. We have made only the beginning, but 1t has been a fine one and we look for great success in the future" said Dr. Strode. "Another college course which is used to deyelop dramatic activities at the university is my course in acting, known as Public Speaking 4. This class meets each week, and many of the foremost come lies and dramas by the leading play wrights are presented. The class is limited to the outstanding dramatic tal- snt in college, and affords an excellent opportunity to the young actors and actresses for close personal instruction m the art. Regular college credit is given for the course. and it is exceed ngly popular among the students While this class is composed largely of it is not entirely so.
 "The Blackfiars number sorpa en ,,ao