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Extravaganza

"You must not suppose because I am a man of letters; that I have never tried to earn an honest living." (Shaw).

The writing of a bad Extravaganza (and they are all bad, differing only in the degree of badness) is a comparatively easy task. The author, usually an introvert, looks out on the world with puzzled eyes. He sees his fellow men and women posturing before the world's stage. All that is then necessary is to transfer the actors to the stage. Because they are young and enthusiastic the sweet birds of the University are pressed into service. Rehearsals begin, and soon the actors fit the parts in a more or less lifelike manner.

The few hours of entertainment provide the public with a view of themselves and their leaders as others see them. Surely it is not the fault of the author if the public leave the Hall murmuring "What fools these University students are!"' The remark is indeed a deep tribute to the acting.

We have no intention of turning these few remarks into a Shavian introduction. We prefer "to cut the cackle and get to the 'osses." Therefore we have pleasure in presenting in "Willum the Conk." It is a story for men and women of our times. Beneath its shallow surface and show there is an underlying moral. We offer a prize to the first solution received.

Ladies and Gentlemen: We are the poor players. We solicit your attention, and please duck your heads in the front low, when the barrage starts.