While on plays, a word regarding Mr. Priestley's Time and
the Conways. It is certain to run for months, so many readers of this column will see it. And many will be left wondering whether it owes its extraordinary effect (apart from the remarkably high quality of the acting) to singularly skilful stagecraft, or to something much more. Mr. Priestley has been reading Dunne's Experiment with Time, and another " time " play by him is having its first night as I write. But there is, in fact, nothing very experimental about showing the Conway family in Act I with their hopes and ambitions in 1919, and in Act II with their disillusionments in 1937. When in Act III you switch back to 1919 again and see the family with new eyes in the light of your knowledge of what life has in store for them, you are witnessing an unusual and effective stage-device. But is that all ? I confess myself doubtful whether it is. Kay, the central character, when we see her again in Act III, has foreshadowings which we know from Act II will be realised. But are they part of her character and of the nature of things ? Is she for a moment getting the better of time ? Or did Mr. Priestley simply put the words there ? A nice question, which anyone who sees the play is as competent to answer as I am. * * * *
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