The harsh reviews of the late stars' playwriting debut reveal a lot about the importance of kindness in criticism. Plus: a chat with the playwright behind new play Tiger, and three shows to see.
Another great article! Your point about negative criticism is really important and such a tough balance to strike. I have reviewed theatre for a while and, I think, that you need to adjust your mindset depending on what you are experiencing. For example, I saw Wuthering Heights performed by four actors in a garden and it was as intense an experience as watching Moulin Rouge at The Piccadilly - even when the Coastguard helicopter zoomed overhead on an emergency call out. Clearly The smaller piece would never have the production values of Moulin Rouge but it had an intensity and subtlety of performance that would not have worked in the mega-musical.
There is also no point in being cruel about a show or anyone involved because a show should always be organic and growing so what you are seeing is a snapshot in time - you wouldn't judge somebody for their whole life based on something they did when they were 14. When you find that you didn't like something then, as you say, you should look for a way to be constructive. In situation where I have found it hard to offer something constructive I realise that it is my own lack of knowledge that I need to address.
Another great article! Your point about negative criticism is really important and such a tough balance to strike. I have reviewed theatre for a while and, I think, that you need to adjust your mindset depending on what you are experiencing. For example, I saw Wuthering Heights performed by four actors in a garden and it was as intense an experience as watching Moulin Rouge at The Piccadilly - even when the Coastguard helicopter zoomed overhead on an emergency call out. Clearly The smaller piece would never have the production values of Moulin Rouge but it had an intensity and subtlety of performance that would not have worked in the mega-musical.
There is also no point in being cruel about a show or anyone involved because a show should always be organic and growing so what you are seeing is a snapshot in time - you wouldn't judge somebody for their whole life based on something they did when they were 14. When you find that you didn't like something then, as you say, you should look for a way to be constructive. In situation where I have found it hard to offer something constructive I realise that it is my own lack of knowledge that I need to address.
Thanks Jason. I couldn't agree more!