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.
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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.