Educationalist and theatre-lover James Shelley formed the Canterbury College Drama Society in 1921, and in 1927 the society opened the Little Theatre on campus. This photo shows a production in that year of John Masefield's verse play on Christ's crucifixion, Good Friday. Shelley produced the play together with Neta Billcliff, and also appeared in it; he is the kneeling figure at centre. The following year the Canterbury Repertory Society was formed, mainly from Shelley's adult education students. It continued producing vibrant theatre into the 21st century.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Macmillan Brown Library, University of Canterbury
Reference: MB1985, item 79483, Presentation album
Permission of the Macmillan Brown Library, University of Canterbury, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.