Theatre Australia

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Reviews - Yes or No?

Thu, 9 Aug 2001, 06:39 pm
Gillian Binks28 posts in thread
I 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)!





RE: Reviews - Yes or No?

Sat, 11 Aug 2001, 08:40 pm
Walter Plinge
Leah Maher noted evilly:
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*Easy for you to say with your bucket loads of reveiw type plaudits Mr Salieri!!

Which raises an interesting point; Amadeus was fortunate to garner a large response on this site. Why is this not the case with other productions? Are people not going out to see any shows? Is this a down-time in the local calendar? Have people lost their nerve after Mr Malone's quite un-called-for bollocking after his beautifully composed review of Man Of La Mancha?

Eliot

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