Reviews - Yes or No?
Thu, 9 Aug 2001, 06:39 pmGillian Binks28 posts in thread
Reviews - Yes or No?
Thu, 9 Aug 2001, 06:39 pmI enjoy reading intelligent reviews BUT it seems to have gotten to a stage where those who dare to give an opinion that is less-than-glowing get torched. I used to write exactly what I thought but I now refrain from reviewing shows if it would contain more constructive criticism than compliments. Instead I simply compliment those who (or that which) I felt were stand-outs or keep my mouth shut. I'm sure that I am not the only one who does this as many of the reviews read like hyped-up press releases. I don't believe that all these shows being reviewed can be that flawless.
So my question for discussion is this: Do you want to be reviewed by your peers or do you think "If I wanted his/her opinion I'd have asked for it"?
I personally think that as long as the reviewer isn't just being cruel and spiteful (and preferably is not anonymous) that reviews are good for us. After all, if we don't agree with what someone says about us or our show we can always dismiss the review/reviewer (but then again we may just learn something)!
So my question for discussion is this: Do you want to be reviewed by your peers or do you think "If I wanted his/her opinion I'd have asked for it"?
I personally think that as long as the reviewer isn't just being cruel and spiteful (and preferably is not anonymous) that reviews are good for us. After all, if we don't agree with what someone says about us or our show we can always dismiss the review/reviewer (but then again we may just learn something)!
RE: Reviews - Yes or No?
Fri, 10 Aug 2001, 01:59 amAs I mentioned before, I am very pro-reviewing. I think the general feelings amongst most are as follows:
**If a show is in mid production the most wanted reviews are the kind that are constructive to the performers, so that improvements can be made if neccessary and particularly enjoyable moments can be highlighted further (or at least remembered).
*Advice for actors, or compliments are also very welcome mid-season. (Who am I kidding, compliments are always welcome)
*Comments on design etc. (particularly negative ones) aren't as welcome at this stage because there's not too much that anyone can do about halfway througha season, especially in community theatres.
**When the production has finished, anything goes. Sure, pat each other on the back and say how wonderful the show was, but surely not everything about the production was fantastic? From my experience in the theatre, those that are reviewed positively don't often remember what it was about their performance that was so great; whereas actors reviewed with a bit of criticism will remember exactly what it was that was lacking in their performace and work hard to build their performance in that area.
At all stages, a well-balanced review is what everyone is after. No-one reading this page before going to see a show wants to read a completely one-sided review.
Everything said though, I really don't care all that much about how balanced a review is, as long as people provide evidence to back up their claims.
Stating the (not so?) obvious,
-Bec
**If a show is in mid production the most wanted reviews are the kind that are constructive to the performers, so that improvements can be made if neccessary and particularly enjoyable moments can be highlighted further (or at least remembered).
*Advice for actors, or compliments are also very welcome mid-season. (Who am I kidding, compliments are always welcome)
*Comments on design etc. (particularly negative ones) aren't as welcome at this stage because there's not too much that anyone can do about halfway througha season, especially in community theatres.
**When the production has finished, anything goes. Sure, pat each other on the back and say how wonderful the show was, but surely not everything about the production was fantastic? From my experience in the theatre, those that are reviewed positively don't often remember what it was about their performance that was so great; whereas actors reviewed with a bit of criticism will remember exactly what it was that was lacking in their performace and work hard to build their performance in that area.
At all stages, a well-balanced review is what everyone is after. No-one reading this page before going to see a show wants to read a completely one-sided review.
Everything said though, I really don't care all that much about how balanced a review is, as long as people provide evidence to back up their claims.
Stating the (not so?) obvious,
-Bec
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