PAGE TWO THE MICHIGAN DAILY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8. 1966 PAGETWOTHEMICIGANDAIY TURSAY. EEBER8._ _C r.s v v i a va v + avulr 1VVV p_, I, THEATRE 'Wedding Band' Debut Defiant, Infused with Honesty, Humor Students Boycott Classes Over 'Power' in London Romney Praises Legislature But , Criticizes Unfinished Business By ANN L. MARCHIO "Wedding Band" by Alice Chil- dress made its defiant debut last night at Mendelssohn Theatre and set both white folks and black back in their seats. Infused with scintillating Negro humor, the play is quite honest in its portrayal of the complexities of inter-racial relationships. How- ever, this theme provides only the overtones to what must be one of the most poignant contemporary statements made by a Negro; authoress. Formulated in exquisitely good taste, the characters are animated stereotypes .of both what the Ne- gro thinks of himself and what the white people think of him; and what the white person thinks of himself and what the Negro thinks of him. Fanny Johnson, portrayed by Clarice Taylor, does an ex- ceptional job in selling herself to the high traditions, or at least what she considers high traditions, of the whites. Her most prized possession is a silver-plated tea set, for which she finds many opportunities to describe as the "only silver plated tea set owned by a colored woman here or in any other part of the world." Almost pathetic yet terribly of- fended by sympathy is Lula Green, played by Minnie Gentry. For her the search is for a new religion of praise to God and an acceptance of her position in life. Without a semblance of the pride with which her foster son is overwhelmingly filled she prostitutes herself before the court of the white people to keep those she loves near her, a sacrifice of her own integrity. . With the personage of Mattie, Abbey Lincoln makes her stage debut. Known 'more formerly as a recording artist and lyricist, Miss Lincoln added an extra sur- prise with an offstage melody dur- ing the first act. Her sassy retorts and functional representation of the race will in all probability elicit for her the additional title of actress. And then there is Ruby Dee (I.e. Julia Augustine). Having previous- ly won the affection of Ann Arbor audiences in her roles in "The' Oresteia" and "The Birds" at the Ypsilanti Greek Theatre this sum- mer, she has now begun the sec- ond phase of her tradition on campus. Not only a vibrant per- sonality off stage, Miss Dee forces the character of Julia into the viewer and does not relent until the climactic conflict at the end of the first scene. Of course, some or the laurels must be shared with the white gentry. John Harkins presents an effective dramatization of Her- man, the forbidden-by-law lover of ten years to Miss Augustine. He is not the aristocratic white that the beautiful Negro woman tradi- tionally marries. Instead, he is a baker and not overwhelmingly suc- cessful at that. However, his mother, played by .Katherine Squire of television as well as1 Broadway fame, submits a won- derfuly stereotyped image of the shrewish, impenetrable bulwark ofj white superiority. The box scenery in the play is artistically created by Ed Witt- stein, who won the Obie Award from the New York critics for his settings for "Sergeant Musgrave's Dance" last season. The triple al- lusion of three dwellings provide an opportune setting for the med- ley of the first scene, which weaves in the spirit of the Negro families, the white family and the rejected Julia. In addition to the fine abilities of the actors themselves is the beautifully paced timing of the production, as directed by Mar- cella Cisney, also Associate Direc- tor of the Professional Theatre Program. Miss Cisney also directed' last year's premier production of "An Evening's Frost." Judging by the enthusiastic ovation received by this first per- formance, it would seem that "Wedding Band" may prove to be one of the highlights of this year's tdramatic presentations. Collegiate Press Service LONDON, England -- Three quarters of the London School of Economics' students boycotted classes culminating a month of growing demands for "student power." The action secured the school's recognition of several "fundament- al" student rights in disciplinary proceedings. The basic policy under attack remains unchanged. Students are still effectively excluded from any real decision-making role within the institution, but their .leaders view the "battle" as a continuing one. The boycott's success has bred a new optimism that communica- tion and change are possible at LSE. The controversy began when the student's Union questioned the ap- pointment of a new director Dr. Walter Adams five weeks earlier because of his alleged cooperation with Ian Smith's Rhodesian re- gime in abandoning racial equality at that country's University Col- lege. The school's response to the Union since that time broadened the issue for many students into a general - concern with their role in the power hierarchy of the col- lege. The administration has taken the position that it has the final authority to interpret the Union's charter, and has indicated it does not find debate on a new director inc' led. Therefore. the Standing Com- mittee of the school's Court of Governors has acted to cut off communication between the Union and the school about the new di- rector. Lord Bridges, Chairman of the Court, wrote a short letter to The Times, expressing "indignation" about "the deliberate campaign against the character" of Adams, except that silence might be mis- interpreted as agreement. The school sumoned the Presi- dent of the Union to appear before the Board of Discipline, because he signed the Union's reply to Bridges' letter. which also appear- ed in The Times. School regulations prohibit com- munications to the press by non- voluntary societies, such as the student's Union, without the Di- rector's permission. Adelstein requested therights of "natural justice" before the Disciplinary B o a r d, including counsel, legal minutes and the dis- qualification of involved parties (the Director) from also being judges. When the school refused Adel- stein's request, many students who had previously been unconcerned were outraged by what seemed to them an unfair tribunal. The Union quickly called a boy- cott of classes for the day of Adel- stein's hearing demanding: -the right of students to ex- press themselves through their Union on matters over which stu- dents are concerned; -the right of elected represent- atives to carry out the Union's in- structions without fear of personal reprisal; and -the right of students who are being disciplined to a fair hearing in accordance with the tenets of natural justice. During the hearing nearly a hundred students held a sit-in in the hallway outside the hearing room. When Prof. B. C. Roberts, a faculty member of the Court of Governors was sent by the Board to disperse the students, a reveal- ing dialogue developed. Soon after Adelstein's hearing began, the board granted his three procedural requests. TONIGHT at 8 P.M. WINNER OF 6 ACADEMY AWARDSI LANSING (k)-Republican Gov. George Romney told the depart- ing Democratic Legislature yester- day its two-year record has been "impressive, but incomplete." Romney said that the Legisla- ture enacted new programs with- out providing what he termed "an adequate and equitable tax base" to finance them.. He predicted a stand - still budget, which "includes no new programs or any enrichment of present programs," would cost $1.107 billion and cause a defiict of $29 million. It is "indeed unfortunate," Romney said, that the Legislature did not adopt a fiscal reform policy which included a state in- come tax. He added: House Democrats. caucused yes- terday, then broke up until the legislative session recessed. Spokes- men said the Democrats still fav- or the coleadership proposal. J. Robert Traxler, House Demo- cratic floor leader, said no elec- tion was held to pick the party's candidate for speaker. The voting was postponed, Traxler said, be- cause not all caucus members had been notifed of it. A Republican caucus unanim- ously elected Robert Waldron as its candidate for House speaker in the next Legislature and unan- imously rejected a Democratic proposal for coleadership of the House. The Republicans termed the proposed joint-leadership "un- workable" and adopted a resolu- tion saying: "We believe that di- vided responsibility is no respon- sibility; that one party must lead the House if Michigan is to con- tinue to be a vital force in state government." Democrats have said they w ill try to amend House rules in the current legislative session to pro- vide for coleadership in the House. p Holding Again! 1 DIAL 8-6416 "Highest Rating !"-N.Y. Dify News BURT LANCASTER DiyNw LEE, XMAVIN ROBERT RYAN-JACK PALANCE ROLBBELL with CLAUDIACARDINAL] Tas FROFESSIONBIS A COLUMBIA PICruRES RELEASE -"PANAVISION-TECHNICOO "The kind of film one thirsts for !"--Life Magazine COMING DEC. 15th "MADRAGOLA" Advisory Board Aictions Change Police, Procedures (Continued from page 1) have made certain arrests the way they did, as well as aiding in un-J derstanding on both sides. The use of civilian youths to quell crowds was so successful, that even now, when much of the summer's racial tensions have passed, the police hire civilians to' be present at large public func-' tions to prevent any would-be dis-T rs C pus THURSDAY, DEC. 8 ducted 'by Theo Alcantaila at 7:00 and 9:0 p.m.-The Cinema Hill Aud. Guild will run Rene Clair's "Le '8:30 p.m.-The University Musi- Million" in the Architecture Aud. cal Society will present the New 8:$0 p.m-The Travel Film Se- York Pro Musica in "The Play of ries will present. "Inside and. Out- Daniel," at the First Methodist side the Iron Curtain" in Aud. A, Church. Angell Hall. FRIDAY, DEC. 9 8:30 p.m. - The Professional ..7:00 and 9:00 p.m.-The Cinema Theatre Program New Play Pro- Guild will offer Rene Clair's "Le ject Performance will give "Wed- Million," at the Architecture Aud, ding Band," at Lydia Mendelssohn 8:30 p.m.--The University Musi- Theatre. cal Society will present the New 8:30 pm.-The School of Music York Pro Musica in "The Play of will present the University Sym- Daniel," at the First Methodist phony Orchestra in a concert con- Church. i.....rr....rmr.r.-ra..rar..mmin.inin...mmm.m.m ...m * II I I I I I U VLE MILLION-Dec. 8 & 9 1 (di r.Rene Clair-1931)I r, ;French, subtitles. Musical comedy in the tradi- Stion of-"Sous les Toits de Paris" and "The i ~Umbrellas. of Cherbourg." "Among the best ' ' films ever made."-London Times. i - SHORTS: A PROGRAM OF EARY CARTOONS a * I I I EBRINK OF LIFE-Dec. 10A& 11 m I I (dir. Inmar Bergman-1958) 'Swedish, subtitles. The lives of three women Starrrng Eva Dahlbeck nrirdTher iand Bb Anderson x , CANNES FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS: Best e actress, best director No-"SHORT: "SOLDIER MAN" aa ;. GOLD DIGGERS OF 1933-- :LDec.e 15 & 16 * (dir.Busby Berkley--1 933) Y, American. Starring Dick Powell, Joan Blondell ' Ginger Rogers, Aline McMahon, Ned Sparks S The chmpiest of camp, includes "The Forgot- ' ' ten Man" sequence. Pre-censorship and un-cut. I I S SHORT- "PARALYMPICS" i THE , C U S-Dec. 17 & 184 (dir. Charlie Chapin-1928); American. Charlie joins the circus by mistake and ends up a lion tamer, tight rope walker, and clown. With Myrna Kennedy. Academy Award to Chaplin "for versatility and genius in J writig, acting, directing and producing.. SHORTS: "WRONG AGAIN" -- Laurel 1 Hardy, "OUR DAREDEVIL CHIEF," "SUB- MARINE PILATE" -1 turbances. Larcom asserted that although it doesn't appear to be much, the hiring of civilians has been tremendously effective. It was with these successes in mind that Larcom and Chief Kras- ny have been working to create a permanent advisory board. Lar- com and Krasny will appoint the board members, who will most likely consist of Chief Krasny as chairman, another officer from the police department, the director of human relations, the city attorney and a few non-governmental civil- ian leaders. The functions of the board would' be to consider any sug- gestionsdfor increasing understand- ing and communication between the police and the community; to help recruitment from minority groups; and to ease tensions in community incidents. Larcom strongly emphasized that the ad- visory board is not a review board. It could however review the facts of a case after the intradepart- mental police review board inves- tigated an incident, and then make general suggestions regarding po- lice procedure. Tllese suggestions would first go to Larcom, who would then dis- cuss them with the chief. Larcom added. that the board would be open to policemen as well as civilians. He reiterated that. "none of the suggestions will be in any way binding, neither will they in any way put any officer on the spot." The police have their own in- twadepartmental review board headed' by Chief Krasny. It re- views police conduct from tardi- ness to ' complaints of violations of civil rights. Concern was aroused over the advisory board when the Ann Ar- bor News misinterpreted an off- the-record statement given to the City Council concerning police- community relations. "Since the time of'that statement," Larcom said, "we've changed the proced- ure. Now all appointments will be made by Chief Krasny." He added that he disagreed with the chief on some rinor points, but that he felt since it was the chief's department he should have most of the responsibility in creat- ing, the board. When asked what he thought of the. fear of the advisory board turning into a review board, Kras- ny said that he didn't think the community would accept a review board; and that he would see to it that the board wouldn't urn into one. In a communication to Council last Monday, Councilmen Cap- paert and Burns called community opposition "a slap in the face to Ann Arbor civil rights leaders who have worked tirelessly for commu- nity relations." Wheeler indicated that many of these leaders exposed themselves to danger in quelling this sum- mer's tensions. 11 Is. Ann Arbor Dance Theatre free WORKSHOP on LABANOTATION by Janet Wind Descutner Thurs., Dec. 8" p.m. Public Library METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PRESENTS A CARLO PONTI PRODQUCTI DAVID LEAN'S FILM OF SORS PASTERNAKS DOCIOR. ZHIAGO IN PANAVISION*AND METROCOLOR Nights Except Matinees on Sunday at 8 P.M. Sat. & Sun. at Sunday at 7:30 1:30$. All Night Seats Sat. Mat. $1.50 $2.25 Sun. Mat. $2.25 I I For Ann Arbor.. ...a di i istinguished event! EXCLUSIVE LIMITED ENGAGEMENT 2REMAINING DAYS ONLY NOT Reserved-Seat Policy! Continuous Performances at Popular Prices! ATE Poweru Pertinent! Wed.-Sun. 8:30 P.M. [SEATSIM :a f.NOW !I atinees, 2:30 P.M. Sat.-Sun. A-I THREE PERFORMANCES DAILY ot 1:00-4:30 8:15 Program Information 6 NO 2-6264 Remember the date! Thursday, January 5 Day Before Resumption of Classes HILLEL MIXER Live Band Refreshments members free others 1.00 1429 Hill All Welcome Special Presentation THREE PERFORMANCES OF THE 12TH CENTURY MUSICAL DRAMA L performed by THE NEW YORK PRO MUSICA in the Sanctuary of the FIRST METHODIST CHURCH TONIGHT and FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 at 8:30 P.M. (A 75-minute Performance, 'without intermission) 1. TWO DAYS FREE FROM CLASSES & EXAMS, TRICININAMUILD celebrates with W.C. FIELDS FILMS 7:00 and 9:0(-Monday, Dec. 12 TlrvcTC. 'AA A I KI PI nn t? T, S 00 n n A ': 4 nn IiII.. I tK l : MI tV I'4 L'.J'JI, .VV . C. uIu'C FV I