1920 yearbook · Iowa Heritage Digital Collections
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1920 yearbook

1920 yearbook

Title

1920 yearbook

Description

Dramatics
WITH the disappearance of vacation days and the gradual resumption of college activities, a number of plays loomed up conspicuously on the dramatic
horizon. The veterans of the Dramatic Club of '19, desirous for a continuation of the splendid work accomplished the previous year, convened the
first week of October to discuss plans for a number of productions which
they believed should be staged by the Club of '20. At the initial meeting, officers were
elected and, aided by the hearty cooperation of Rev. Joseph P. Stahl, whose wise suggestions have served as a valuable impetus in all dramatic and literary undertakings,
proceeded to launch the praiseworthy venture of giving four public plays, wishing
thereby to establish an unprecedented record in College dramatics.
In the Thanksgiving play, "The Man of the Hour," a number of new club members made their debuts and evoked for themselves unanimous commendation.
During the days preceding the Christmas vacation all the time was devoted to the
classes in oratory conducted by Mrs. Helena B. Churchill, although the cast for the
pre-lenten presentation, "The Man on the Box," founded on Harold McGrath's
novel, was being carefully considered. This comedy bubbling with mirth and laughter was given February 16, and a second appearance was necessary to accommodate all
those who wished to see the signal success of the year,
A play different from the usual type characteristic of college performances was
"The Witching Hour". In this production the heavy character work afforded several members of the cast an opportunity, which they seized, for excellent interpretation.
From the brilliant records that a number of the students have made for themselves
in the above mentioned plays, there is insured a singular treat in the class play, "The
Merchant of Venice." The freshness, brilliancy and chasteness of Shakespeare's works
demand the attention and appreciation of all true lovers of the drama and literature.
In conclusion, the Dramatic Society of '20 has had a very successful year. The
members have not only profited by the time and effort spent in this work but have enjoyed the satisfaction that their efforts have merited.
To Rev. Joseph P. Stahl, the Director, and Mrs. Helena B. Churchill, the Instructor, we owe much. Their deep insight into things literary and oratorical and
their earnest desire to assist youthful claimants to oratorical ability have made it
possible for the Dramatic Society to accomplish all these things.

Date

1920

Identifier

http://cdm16810.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p16810coll2/id/2272