Playlovers do it again

I can't for one minute pretend that I'm qualified in any way to review theatre productions, however, what I can say, is that the most recent productions from Playlovers ('Eurobeat') and the current production of 'The Vagina Monologues'are a credit to the Playlovers team. I'd heard a bit about the Monoluges before now, but here I was seeing it for the first time. I went along expecting a comedy, in the style of 'Menopause the musical', of course, this play has much more. One minute funny, the next sombre, and thought provoking (especially for we mere-males). The cast were superb, in delivering, what in truth, is a potentially difficult subject matter (ha!)Great performance ladies. Be proud! The healthy audiences are richly deserved. cheers Johnny Grim A lad in sane productions

Thanks for the sentiments - which are taken in the constructive, if exasperated, tone in which I think they were intended.

Firstly, as Na has suggested, and as was discussed at last night's ITA committee meeting, ownership of this site is very much more complex than many would believe. The ITA doesn't own this site, I don't own it. The site is made up of countless contributions which remain the copyright of the people that have contributed to it over the past nine years. It is a rich, diverse communal space afflicted by all the classic problems associated with the tragedy of the commons.

I'm aware that some people seek to mis-characterise the discussions on the site as being predominantly negative. Certainly the occasional difference of opinion or heated exchange attracts disproportionate attention. I'm sure too that we have our share of ambulance chasers amongst the readership who occasionally visit, rarely contribute, but are here in an instant if they hear that there's an argument taking place. Small wonder they think heated debate dominates the discussion, they rarely contribute themselves and seldom bother visiting or reading the thousands of other constructive and worthwhile contributions.

I'm afraid I regard the notion that the site is dividing the community that it purports to support as nonsense. Any divisions are apparent in both the real and virtual communities. I suspect that instead the site accurately reflects most facets of the theatre community in their passionate diversity. If the site isn't adequately reflecting the facets some consider admirable or worthy, then I suspect that at least in some measure these people have only their own lack of participation to blame. I'd also argue that the site has brought about a sense of the broader theatre community, warts and all, than was ever apparent before.

While I'm occasionally disappointed at the lack of tolerance for diversity displayed by some of those that I'm aware frequent the site only to sit in judgement over those that do have the courage of their convictions to contribute, I'm far more often delighted at the honest, constructive, robust contributions that demonstrate we're a resilient and tolerant community that cares deeply about our common passion.

Any discussion exploring ways to encourage more positive contributions on the site is very welcome but contrary to the expectations of some, registration offers absolutely no protection from abuse and is only a barrier to participation. Some of the worst serial abusers on the site have been registered users - try a search for vixen for a particularly unpleasant stream of bile from a registered user.

The ITA committee spent some time on Monday night considering how best to guide and direct the future development of the site. I've encouraged them to look at establishing a steering committee with broad, national representation. Perhaps you'd like to participate?

Cheers
Grant

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Director, actor and administrator of this website

Ownership

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