Date: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 18:21:48 -0700
From: Mary Robinette Kowal <maryrk-AT-earthlink.net>
Subject: PUPT: critique


Okay- here's something you'll all enjoy I'm sure.  I'm editing the NW
Regional Newsletter and need to include reviews of the shows from the
West Coast Puppet Festival.  (Good festival, by-the-bye)  My company
performed at the festival and strangely- I haven't had a volunteer to
offer to review us.

I also notice that despite the fact that most of us have seen puppet
plays this summer due to festivals, there hasn't been much discussion of
the critical merits of any of these, except, briefly Blair Thomas's
(sp?).  I'm thinking this is all related to an unwillingness to offend.

So- I'm opening the floor to see if offering liscense to discuss at
least one show freely will cause a critical discussion.  If you've seen
"Sod" or "Old Man Who Made Trees Blossom" what did you think?  Not "Did
you like it?" but "Did it work or did it fail?  And why?"  I'll just
listen and avoid the temptation to jump in and explain (unless queried
directly).  Please, give me the privelage of eavesdropping on an
intelligent discussion.  I tire of reading reviews that are nothing but
synopsis, or thanking people while wondering if the compliment is
sincere.

To quote the end of our own show- "I stand here confident in my
uncertainty, feeling confused and belittled.  I may be mediocre, average
or cliche, but I will be, I will stand." (spoken by the Flamingo in
"Sod" by Jodi Eichelberger)

Mary

-- 
Mary Robinette Kowal
Other Hand Productions
http://www.otherhandproductions.com


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