Date: Thu, 1 May 2003 11:19:19 -0400
Subject: Re: PUPT: Re: Clive Barnes
From: robert smythe <robertsmythe-AT-mumpuppet.org>


Like Mary said, (and I'm putting words in her mouth) every critic's an 
idiot unless they like our work...

Does a review really do anything but sell tickets? Shows with popular 
appeal have been known to run endlessly despite the critical reaction.

Maybe if there were more critique of puppetry this community wouldn't 
have to hold onto every last word as if it were the last.

On Thursday, May 1, 2003, at 01:47 AM, laughingegg-AT-aol.com wrote:

> Hi  Everyone,
>
>    I have to put my two cents worth in here on the subject of that 
> "infamous"
> critic,
> and horse's arse, Clive Barnes.. He has had a long and notorious track 
> record
> for ruthlessly and mindlessly slamming shows and performers often 
> without
> even witnessing the performances in their entirety.
>
> He began as a drama and dance critic with the New York TImes and 
> eventually
> ended up writing for the New York Post....poetic justice indeed.
>
> I've spoken with NY theatre ushers in the past who were quite candid 
> about
> the fact that "Mr. Barnes" was quite well known to doze throughout a 
> show and
> sometimes not even show up. He would then turn around and write deadly 
> revues
> about performances he didn't even witness. In short, his critiques are 
> often
> mean spirited, uninsightful, and are frequently based upon whatever
> subjective mood he happens to be in at the moment
>
> The only redeeming thing he ever did as a critic in my opinion, was to 
> give
> the Bil Baird Marionette Theatre on Barrow Street, a fabulous opening 
> night
> revue in the New York TImes back in 1967.
>
> He candidly admitted however, that as a rule. "He always felt puppets 
> were
> for the birds..or rather termites"................indeed !? ...Then 
> what
> business has he got to be reviewing a  puppetry performance?
>
>
>
>
> Peace,
>                                                                    
> Steve Weber
>                                                            The 
> Laughing Egg
> Studio
>
>
>   --- Personal replies to: laughingegg-AT-aol.com
>   --- List replies to:     puptcrit-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu
>   --- Admin commands to:   majordomo-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu
>   --- Archives at:         http://lists.village.virginia.edu/~spoons
>
>
Robert Smythe
Artistic Director
Mum Puppettheatre
115 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
T: 215.925.7686
F: 215.922.5184

robertsmythe-AT-mumpuppet.org
http://www.mumpuppet.org



  --- Personal replies to: robert smythe <robertsmythe-AT-mumpuppet.org>
  --- List replies to:     puptcrit-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu
  --- Admin commands to:   majordomo-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu
  --- Archives at:         http://lists.village.virginia.edu/~spoons