But I think that can only really, genuinely happen when the identity of the blogger is out there. Otherwise it’s like trying to have a meaningful conversation with a person in a cloak and a mask.
I am lucky because I have such amazing conversations with artists and critics and punters – not all conversations are easy, but all are respectful.
And that’s the tone I choose to prioritise and favour.
But it takes time and care to blog – it’s not like print whereby you write/it’s printed and then you’re done – it’s a living document – and will change with responses over time.
]]>But don’t take my love/hate too seriously, it’s the only saying i could find..and it’s more economical to write than “sometimes like/and sometimes not like” 
I don’t hate what they say at all. I think my “love” part comes from reading a sharp and insightful review, going to the play whether it’s been given a good or bad rap, and making up my own mind, a la Kate Revz. I remember seeing her posters for Orestes 2.0 with the different types of review blurbs and thinking “that’s a pretty damn smart move”. The “hate” part probably comes from not being able to discuss it with the critic if I agree or disagree. henceforth, enter the Blog!
I enjoy reading blog responses as they are readily available for discussion. And working with KJ at the moment has been very educational in that regard.
Anyway, whether they be a theatre critic/reviewer/blogger, it all goes in to making up the whole of our impressively diverse arts community. We can’t always be nice and like everything that’s out there, but we can encourage, like you say, through healthy and honest creative discussion.
]]>lovely to read your perspective, as always…
I suspect that you just might love critics – after all you have been produced by one (me) and you are currently being directed by one (Kevin Jackson). I suspect you just might hate what they say sometimes. And I think that is good because it might provoke a further thinking on why you don’t agree – and in doing so you may strengthen your own artistic conviction.
As far as critics impacting “the make or break” of the show – I don’t really think that’s true. In the case of one of Kate Revz’s show’s she used the wildly contrasting opinions of reviewers to spruik to the public/potenital punter “come make up your own mind.” I think the producer makes or breaks a show – as does the quality of the performances and the text.
My “reviews” are not often not for audiences’ “pre-show” reading, but often they are what I refer to as a “response” to encourage an audience’s “post-show” rumination.
Thank you for your encouragement – it is very appreciated. More than you might realise.
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