Reviewing people you know
Tue, 27 Nov 2007, 12:04 pmDazzaB30 posts in thread
Reviewing people you know
Tue, 27 Nov 2007, 12:04 pmHey Everyone,
I've got a question that I would like some opinions on. I have recently written a review of a show that I saw. Quite a few of my friends were in the show and my review has been questioned because I know some of the people involved. (My review is located in this thread if you want to read it - http://www.theatre.asn.au/theatre_reviews/paris ) My situation however is that I live in a relatively small community and therefore I know quite a few of the people invovled in theatre around here. As such, it's difficult for me to find a show in this area that doesn't have at least a couple people that I know in it.
My question is then this: Is a person incapable of writing a balanced, un-biassed, constructive review of a show that involves one or more of that person's friends?
I personally don't think this is the case. Quite often my friends ask me for my opinion because they know I will tell them honestly. I do hold to a philosphy that there is no point in being mean when giving feedback - all that does is shatter confidence. BUT I will always be honest, and if this means telling someone (including friends) that I didn't think some work they did was good, I will, however I will focus on how to improve that aspect as opposed to just saying it was bad. Is that biassed? I personally don't think so, but I would love to hear what other people have to say on the matter.
Hoping to get lots of feedback
Darren
Thank you for your honesty
Tue, 11 Dec 2007, 10:08 amThanks DazzaB is all I can say.
I think you posted a fair and impartial review.
From talking with many people that have come to see the show I think most would agree with the words that you have written about the show.
We have worked in shows together before and I know you well. One thing I think all would say that know you is that you will always say what you want to say.
You do not play the whole "You were wonderful, great, 'insert nice comment'" game that some do in theatre.
You will call a spade a spade. I once remember you and I telling a member of a Les Miserables cast that we were cheering for Javair because John Vajohn was uncomfortable to listen to. (hope that spelling is right, pretty sure its not but care factor)
The person we were criticising was standing in front of our eyes. So in the virtual wasteland that is the internet where one can be even more brutally honest I was grateful for the review and support most of the criticism with our show.
I think as most fair minded people do when they see community theatre they enjoy it for what it is.
"A bunch of local people doing the best that they can do regardless of the training that they have received".
Glad you had a great time and look forward to someday treading the boards with you again.
Congrats on your engagement once again and it was great to see you at KTW mon ami.
Cheers
Reg