TUESDAY, AUGUST 29,196"o THE MICHIGAN DAILY of TUEDA, UGST 9,19 TE MCH.A DI 'Theatre in Ann Arbor:An ExpandingRole By LIZ WISSMAN Arts Editor, 1966-67 There are two theories ;most often cited to explain the appar- ent health and dynamism of the theatre in Ann Arbor. One re- lates Ann Arbor to a general de- centralizing movement in the American Theatre, away from the single tyrannical rule of Broad- way. Another view is that the drama is traditional to University :life, where it enjoys an existence unnaturally prolonged by the con- centrated intellectual atmosphere.' Both theories have a superficial application to the permanent companies and the occasional pro- ductions of live theatre in Ann Arbor. But both exhibit a bit too much of the heady optimism of the American Cultural boom. The "physical plant" of Ann Arbor theatre is undeniably grand. Few American communities of its size can boast of no less than three resident troupes of perform- ers. There is the projected Uni- versity Playhouse which will cost over $4 million when it is com- pleted. But the recent failure of the ambitious Ypsilanti Greek Theatre has caused some observers to doubt both the sheltering academ- ic environment, and the depth of our current Cultural Boom. Does theatre in Ann Arbor signify a challenge to the tastes of Broad- way -- or does it merely bring Broadway a little closer at hand? The most illustrious drama in Ann Arbor is that produced by the Professional Theatre Program. In cooperation with the Univer- sity, the PTP sponsors profes- sional theatrical events through- out the school year. The fall se- mester is traditionally the time of APA-the Association of Perform- ing Artists, under the direction of Ellis Raab. A repertory company making use of rotating scripts and: players, the APA resembles the kind of dramatic company which formed the core of the recent theatrical renaissance in England. It has been selected as the sin- gle American troupe to appear at Expo '67, along with the illus- trious English National Theatre and the Canadian Stratford Play- ers. APA differs, however, from these companies in that it is neither a singular festival nor a permanent resident in Ann Arbor. The other half of each year isj spent in New York. The same comment may be of Ann Arbor-principally made about the PTP's 'New Play University Players and the Project," which subsidizes the pro- Arbor Civic theatre-are more duction of original manuscripts. 'to experiment. But, like C( This theatrical project, as well as and Little Theatres everyw the APA, often precedes a New they sufer from a lack of York engagement. Such planned money, and facilities. productions as "Exit the King" by A third, and surprising, s Ioenesco, which will be performed of theatre has arisen from in APA's Fall 1967 Festival, may University's Department of t indeed improve the general fare parative Literature. Last y which is offered on Broadway. But, production of "The Blacks" ask the critical, will it provide a gested a new boldness of ca viable alternative to Broadway? and dramatic technique. The selection of the particular again, theatre is not the prin play to, be used in the "New Play concern of this department, Project" suggests that the stress quality is likely to be unev is not layed upon newness. Studs Certainly, there is no lac Terkel, this year's chosen author, quantity to the theatre in has already amply demonstrated Arbor But critics find it distu his success with contemporary life, that there is not experimena if not directly with the drama. As one student put it, " The other dramatic companies couldn't get a better audien they designed it themselves. the sheltered and highly subsi neighborhood in which it1 why is'Ann Arbor theatre like be amateur or comfortabe merely a trial run before "hi the big time?" Theatrical Environment Perhaps the answer lies in original assumption that Ann bor provides the perfect theat S: environment, ready-made. s ? greatest success which was pu last year, A.P.A.'s "School Scandal," was a familiar play. quality of the audience-the sumed intellectual elite-Was demonstrated in hard, box-o statistics. And, as Welter Kerr pointed out, a subsidized the does not mean a successful the Above all, a play must hav audience - whether or not1 ° raudience provides the vital f x x to carry on. The majority of scriptions sold by the Professi Theatre Program go to the r x ~University community, or at le to non-students. Although perfect audience may be the x theory, it does not appear in p A, y tice. And only a practicinga ience can make its tastes fel )ramatic Techniques stage. ional Opportunities Applications for these teams must however, are Bursley and B be submitted a month or more in dormitories on North Cam advance of the sport. which cannot play in resid But a full competitive program hall competition. A specially is being offered asusual this year. signed sport center is prov The only major sport not offered near Bursley Hall, and the u is softball, which was eliminated will hold their own competitia two years ago because the Univer- The competition is some sity's trimester calendar made it more intense among the frate difficult to play spring games It ties because some teams 1 was impossible to schedule soft- ball games around football and been working together for t baseball. or four years. The teams The student's first competition in basically formed the same IMs is usually in the residence other divisions are formed, halls. Here, an athletic chairman the play is for the honor of elected by house members keeps house. tabs on the sports coming up and But, the games must be pL makes sure the house is repre- under a- set of rules designe sented by a good team in each eliminate i n j u r i e s and 1 sport, sportsmanship at a high levi Making the team often consists The most popular sports of just signing up, but in the most also divided into 'A' and 'B'I popular sports it often means ficiency levels to keep the c trying out. Everyone who wants petition as evenly matched as to, however, can usually find a sible. For the same reason,, sity athletes are barred from position in his favorite sport. competition to avoid "stock Victims of the overcrowding, of the teams. the Ann free allege 'here, time, ource the Com- Year's sug- sting But, cipal and en. k of Ann rbing tion. They ce if " In ized lives, ,ly to or .tting the Ar-1 rical The t on for The pre- not ffice 'has eatre atre. e an that unds sub- .onal non- east, the e in rac- aud- ALL CAMPUS GROUP: Glee Club Opens 108th Seasoi Ater Nine Week W orld T our By JILL CRABTREE states, and by a variety of organi- raised by the club itself, thro The University Men's Glee Club, zations overseas. They were host- revenues from concerts and I directed by Philip A. Duey, opens ed by the Sputnik Youth-Group ious fund raising activities. its 108th season this year after Chorus during their stay in Rus- At this writing, the Glee C completing a nine-week world sia, and stayed with families in is on its way to Llangollen, Wa tour.'r Made up of University students, Hong Kong and Bangkok. to compete for the third time the Glee Club is open to anyone All fuids for the tour were the music festival there who auditions successfully. Only about one-sixth of the members are enrolled in the School of Music. Seven other undergraduate colleges are represented, along with the schools of law, medicine, pharmacy, and the Rackham School of Graduate Studies. Television Appearances Because of its many television appearances and tours, the club is world-renowned, and has won many awards. In 1959, the Glee Club was the first American male choir to earn first place at the International Eisteddfod (music festival) in Llangollen, Wales. In 1963 the group proved their win was not a fluke by again winning the Llangollen trophy. A Last year, the group wound up their concert season with a sum- mer tour of 29 major cities in 17 foreign countries. Departing on May 15, they first toured several cities in the United States, includ- ing Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu. Then they departed for Tokyo. Following their stay there, they toured Hong Kong, Formosa, New Delhi, Moscow, Leningrad, Helsin- ki, Stockholm, Paris and London. *, During their tour,' the Glee Club has been honored at recep- tions by the president of the Re- ' public of Manila and the Lord Mayors of Helsinki and Copen- hagen. 'U' Glee Club Recently Returned from a The group was sponsored by the University alumni while inth Successful World Tour The Production of "The Blacks" Suggests New Boldness of Casting and B COMPETITIVE ATHLETICS: 1-M Program Supplies iecreati By WALLACE IMMEN Not everyone can make the varsity team, but the University still .offers you a chance to be a sports hero in the intramural program. And even if you don't want to 'a a. hn . dr l wmild i t,'f lik to with an informal workout, the IM facilities are available to every- one on campus, whether student or fadulty member. Intramurals offer 24 sports in 9 competitive classifications, each holding separate championships. Nt AA oh nrtstaren ffered in all De a nero anu woul Jusu Ie puIU l lou li:ultu11tl relax after a hard day of classes divisions, however, with special A'Sponsors A thleics, Oens Gy1,m to U'Coeds By MARCY ABRAMSON WAA also sponsors an exten- University coeds who want judo sive extramural competition pro- t line-ups for faculty, individual sports and international center rivalries. Rivalries are most brisk amongI the large residence hall, social and professional fraternity and inde- pendent divisions. But groups can reserve facilities for team sports and spirited action may be found in "pick-up" games as well. Three non-competitive divisions offer instruction from experts in almost every sport, a co-recrea- tional night once a week and spe- cial programs for campus organi- zations. Most of the IM facilities are located in the complex in and around the IM building, which stands near Yost fieldhouse. Built in 1928, the facilities were design- ed for about half the present stu- dent enrollment and the program has b e e n increasingly more cramped in recent years. The burden of the overcrowding is being relieved by limiting the number of independent teams. l I' 9 3 7 i P 1 or horseback riding or folk danc ing lessons should take advanta of their automatic membership': the Women's Athletic Associatio "If you are a female and a stu dent, you are a member of tb WAA," Nancy Davison, WA president, explains. The WAA began in 1893 an offered traditional swimmin tennis, basketball, volleyball an horseback riding. Programs hav expanded to include fudo, rifler soccer, field hockey and gym nastics. Increasing interest in dan has led to WAA sponsorship the Folk, Square and Moder Dance Clubs. c- grom of speed swimming, field ge hockey and tennis. Intramural in competition in various sports is n. offered to dorms and sororities. u- "Spirit is often a more deter- he mining factor of winning than A ability in intramurals," Miss Dav- ison said. "You don't have to be id athletically oriented to be an g, active member of WAA." ve The WAA also operates Bar- , bour Gymnasium for student use - on "free" activity nights. Students may use equipment as they ce choose. of WAA clubs and activities are n announced in banners and pos- ters on the Hill and the Diag. SAVE AT aits > 1pus, ,ence de- ided units n. what ~rni- § have three are way but the ayed d to keep § el. are pro- om- pos-Ygi var- IM ing" * $9 I x In eePing with our established tradition w e offer a wealth of luxurious spf)orts wear items for the coll./gPe girl, * Skirts - From England & Scotland- From 21.00 Sweaters - From England & Scotland - From 14.50 Shirts and Blouses - Finest makers - Frorm 5.95 Tweed Coats -- England's Finest -- From 100.00 Rain Coats -- Burberry & London Fog -- From 37.50 Reversble Coats - Englands Fmnest - From 90.00 44 ,,.._ - , 1 YOUR HEADQUARTERS FOR U of M MUSIC* UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN GLEE CLUB: White Tie and Tails .. . On Tour Songs of American Universities UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN BAND: Kick Off, U.S.A... . Touchdown, U.S.A. Hail Sousa . .. On Tour P.S. We also have U of M Songbook 417 E. 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