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By Clyde Hoover
With the close of the spring musical, Kismit, Mercer has
cause to mourn the departure of a great theatrical artist.
Although much can be said in praise of the present production,
one can hardly call Kismit the crowning touch to William J.
Layne's artistic endeavors. In view of Mr. Layne’s leaving it
seems only proper that a few long overdue words of support
and praise should be directed to him.
Mr. Layne has to his credit at Mercer at least three
superb productions; Media, Once Upon a Mattress and The
Great God Brown. It is a source of continuing amazement
and admiration how, handicapped by a limited budget and even
more limited facilities, that this director, producer, designer,
common laborer and friend could produce plays of the previous
quality. If one could only examine a bit of the back-stage
workings he would appreciate the finished product so much
more. There is in each of Mr. Layne's productions (and
es|>ecially in the three listed above) such remarkable in
genuity and finished craftsmanship that many professional
companies would be pleased and proud to claim them as their
own (and indeed they would be fortunate.)
One example of this ingenuity may be seen in the Kismit
production. If anyone took the trouble or interest to inspect
the set for Kismit, no doubt he was impressed, as thus re
viewer was, at the amazingly diverse functions that each sec
tion performed. It was through this ease of planning and
diversity of function that the unusually short scene changes
were made possible. As always, Mr. Layne saw fit to take
advantage of every possible asset that the all too inadequate
stage of Willingham Chapel provided.
As for the performance ledger itself, both dibits and credits
arc to be found. In the debit column there is the orchestra, in
spite of the competent and faithful direction of Jack Jones.
This deficit is primarily due to a sparcity of both numbers and
talent, neither of which Mr. Jones could control under his
direction. Their performance was adequate, but hardly more.
Next on the list is a general criticism which is evidenced
by the progress improvement of the calibre of performance
from Wednesday night through Friday. There simply was not
ample rehearsal time. The result was a somewhat shaky per
formance marred by specific lulls and faltering.
As for specific criticisms, there are none which are overly
tevere. Susan Wiseman as Marsinah showed a rather dis
tracting detactment from the rest of the cast. Although ex
hibiting a lovely voice and appearance, she did not illustrate
the involvement necessary to portray convincingly her
character.
Somewhat the same might be said of Beverly Williams
except for the fact that hers was an over-envolvement. For
the type of romantic comedy that Kismit is meant to be. her
character of Lalume semed strangely lewd, coarse, and menac
ing rather than seductive and graceful.
Firmly established on the credit side there is Stephen
Belew. His “Was I Wazir” was undoubtably the highlight of I
the evening. His character was both well developed and ac
curately defined to present a delightfully mercenary and
wicked individual.
Gary Sikes abounded with spontaneity and fine voice.
His role of Hajj (the Poet) demanded a great deal which he
met with polish and committment.
Charles Russell as the Caliph performed well vocally,
although his characterization was at times ineffectual and
bland. 1 some of Hu*courses would ho rodmvd from .V hours (n A hours. Th
Hugh Dukes added able support in both the acting and Committee honestly feels th.it they have written a program that sntisfie
dancing areas, as did James Newsome. Daniel Sheffield and the requirements of the state department of education tor such
Thomas Michael added also to the overall performance.
After this enumeration it is evident that the assets out
weigh the deficits in Kismit. Certainly judging from the re
action of the audience, the flaws and faults of the production
may be overlooked.
Once again this reviewer would like to extend to Mr.
Layne a final word of praise and appreciation. Since super
lative* are often considered vulgar (and to be sure their quota
has already been exhausted) let it suffice to convey a very
ample but her sincere “Thank You” to this gentleman who
has done so much for Mercer’s stage.
Report Of The Curriculm Committee
The Curriculum Committee has met on a regular schedule and has
dealt with a variety of matters brought to its attention by Departments
of the College, the Dean's office and individual member* of the faculty.
The three major matters before the Committee this year were (I)
a consideration of the Journalism program 12) a pro|xisal for granting
academic credit for Advanced ROTC courses (J) the program for train
ing prospective elementary teachers.
The Committee, after lengthy discussion, determined to recommend
that Mercer keep the Journalism minor hut that it he rest rooted to in- 1
elude some specific courses from other departments that would strength
en the background of a protqiectivc journalist. The Committee recone i
mended that Mercer give 5 hours credit for a year’s work in advanced;
ROTC. Thus a student could earn a jnaximum of 10 hours credit toward !
graduation requirements by participating in ROTC during |iis junior;
and senior year These recommendations have been adopted h\ the I
fuculty.~*
The problem with respect to the. elementary education program
arose because Georgia s stat department ol education has'only given 1
Mercer temporary accreditation for its present program The CurriCu
lum Committer’ has devised a revision -it the i roup <>| courses in the 1
subject matter areas that prospective elementary teacher* take Tins
revision wou|d iherease the number of courses from six to eight! hut
NBMT Club
I)o. not torget the NBMT Club
l lie original |siint of txxir food and
poor food choices has lieen made
Less than fifteen p r cent of the
Mercer students eat in the meal
ticket cafeteria line this quarter.
Support the SGA in its efforts to
secure basic changes in the cafe
teria
No longer does one see the long
lines ol tall and winter quarters
pictured at the left No longer are
Mercer students willing to pay
more for poor food. No longer will
the cafeteria serve as a social hour
No longer can the conditions re
main stagnant. Please reply to the
Ciushr office if you believe a
change to a food service would im
prove conditions. VVe have informa
lion on several food services and
need to sound student opinion on
this matter.
■linn th*- munch tor lunch hunch.
Min the NBMT Club.
ERROR NOTICE
In last week's (Vaster, my article
on Mercer |x*lfties referred to the
great turn of the century Georgia
Igihtician Tom Watson as a justice
on the stat*’ supreme court. A stu
dent more knowledgeable about
Tom Watson than I has |x>inted.
out that Watson (who never gradu
ated from Mercer because hi’ re
fused to take tinal exams) was
never on the Georgia Supreme
Court He was senator and con
gressman as well as Populist presi
di'ntial candidate, bul the part
alxiut (lit superrVio court was my
error.
Bill Davton
has
this
slern
the
TERMPAPERS
TYPED
CALL; MRS. CORBY
At Work—746-6248
(Before 5:30) *
At Homo—745-0163
(After 5:30)
40c For Pago
grams The Committee has not presented this for formal adoption
it its awaiting the opinion of the state department ol education
The Curriculum Committee has recommended and the taculf’
adopted changes in the curriculum of the following department*
year Art Chemistry . Christianity. Economics. English; History. M<
Foreign Languages. Also, at the recommendation.of the Gomniitte*
faculty adopted a more liberal policy , cone* rning advanced placement
lor entering students The new 1 |xilicv allow* courses in unv discipline In
he substituted foi it "course from which a student is excused
The Curriculum Committee' has recently received Irom an indiyid
ual faculty member a pro|x»sal that good students in their junior ami
senior year he given- the opixirtunity of taking some courses oh a pass
fail basis. The Committee declined to act on this lor the present Inrt
would like to receive res|xins*:s from the faculty. They would tie par
ticularlv interested in discovering if (his would encourage students to
take courses they might not take under Mercer's usual system of com
petitive grading. The Committee intends to raise th*' question with xonu
groups of students.
FOR SALE: SPINET PIANO
Wanted, responsible party to take over low monthly pay
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Manager, P. O. Box 641, Matthows, N. Carolina.
PHONE
i AHEAD FISH-CHICKEN
k DINNERS
745-2883- . 1.00
FOR FAST
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Call Before 6:00 or 8:00 P.M.
Every Sunday Night
ThiT Weeks Mercer
DINNER WINNERS
are . .’. Anita Cruz
Tom Melba
Martha Wansley
rtftlNT YOU* 1-0 t THIS ADI
Legacy And Kismit in Review
May 5, 1967
THE MERCER CLUSTER