WA Grand Finalists - Storm The Stage

To begin with, as the posting was not from an account, we can not conclude that it was from Jake Newby. Although, I can also see how it can be Jake, because the post was a criticism of a subject he is experienced with – adjudication. Whether you agree with Jake or not, his comments should not simply be put down to a case of sour grapes – we can not determine that from one post on the internet. However, it is fair to be critical of his motives. He may be irritated he wasn’t asked to be a judge. But it also should be noted that, if the judges were not as experienced as they ought to be, he has just cause to be annoyed, doesn’t he? There has been some negative feedback regarding Jake’s adjudication at Bunbury? Therefore, using the same logic, can we dismiss that as sour grapes? No. Although I do think some people were upset because he disapproved of some productions (some comments, I thought were valid). On the other hand, I do agree with Stingers remark made on another thread that he did not clarify what the distinction between best director and best production was. I was present for most of the adjudication at Bunbury, and found, even before he gave me glowing feedback, that his judgements were sound and rational. I respected his opinions because he a) had experience (in all fields of theatre) and b) critically engaged with each production and c) had a great knowledge on theatre history and theatre practises. Last year, Bunbury had Stephen Lee as the adjudicator, whom I also respect as a judge, even after he gave some very strong criticisms about the play I was in. I was not upset about the feedback, because he is a man who definitely knows what he is talking about and I agreed with his comments. I go to competitions because I want to improve as a theatrical artist, not be given sugar covered responses that make me feel good for a little while. I do not want to be in a competition where the adjudicators lack experience. It’s patronising and demeaning. I would liken it to a high school teacher who thinks that the students did really well, considering they were just students. If I personally find myself in a position like that again, I will simply pull any production of mine out, preferring to boycott the event, rather than being the subject of mediocrity. Read into that however you want, sour grapes or not.