Thursday, May 7, 2009

Thursday's Food for Thought #3

Why is it that when theatre artists attend a play or a musical they're so critical of it? Why can't we just enjoy the play and/or musical for what it is? Have we become jaded as artists that nothing we see impresses us anymore?

My friend A. created the "50-Foot Rule" you don't talk good or bad about a show until you're 50-Feet away from the venue and I live by this rule. I hate hearing people criticize the show during intermission, I'm like, "hello, the shows not OVER!" 

1 comment:

  1. I do like the "50-foot rule". I came up with that in college. I try to abide by it (though do fall short occasionally...), if only for out of respect for the actors and those involved in the production.

    When going to a friend's house does one bitch about what they are serving for dinner and how they upholstered their couch in neon floral print? No, of course not. One wait until one has left and then talks about friend behind their back to everyone who will listen. Common sense people.

    As for being critical- I'm not sure where it comes from. Perhaps we're spiteful? This crap is allowed on stage while we- talented, creative, and beautiful sit in cramped over priced seats- our gifts being wasted and unseen.

    I do miss being able to blissfully (and mindlessly) watch a production (or movie for that matter) without switching into critical mindset. And on rare occasion, I do find myself in that sought after place- when a piece has completely transported me out of my head. But I feel like with said "criticalness"- for me anyway, comes an understanding of the delicacies and intricacies of the art and hopefully translates to creating better work myself.

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