Back to Basics: What to keep in mind when reviewing theater
I lead a dual life as writer and freelance theater practitioner. My professional engagements in theater limit my coverage of the scene, but when available, I write what I can. Theater critics have their place and they are necessary, but there’s no use keeping them around if their criticism is, frankly, misguided.
There are very few reviewers in the Philippines who know what they’re talking about when they review theater.
So back to the drafts, and before you write out your review, consider the following —
1) Before you write about that part – are you sure you know what you’re talking about?
Everyone has a different sense of aesthetic, so focus on what you’re sure of. Don’t be a lights guy who tells the spinner how to balance his sound, or a stage manager who tells an actor how to attack his role. Keep in mind that the average reader just wants to know if its worth it to spend on a ticket, so look at it that way. Does it feel like a complete show? Are there parts that feel unrehearsed? Are there things you couldn’t hear, or faces you couldn’t see? Answer those questions instead. Don’t try to go over yours, or the average audience member’s head by getting into the nitty-gritties. The experts will catch you and prove you wrong.
2) Do you have pre-empted expectations of the show?
I’ve seen entire families brought to watch Avenue Q, while Xanadu the Musical is based on one of the worst movies ever made. Do those misconceptions stick with you throughout the show? Do they affect your viewership? If yes, explain what enforced or broke those misconceptions. Which leads us to—
3) Are your ideologies at the door?
Art has its grudges. If you have an ulterior motive to art, come clean with it. The best reviews I’ve come across parks its grudges in the opening paragraphs, and makes the framework for its opinions crystal clear in the process. I dislike reviews that try to pass as theater bibles. Help with audience development, companies want to know what kind of people watch their shows, give them a clear idea where you’re coming from.
4) Know your lingo: You don’t review the preview.
That’s why most theater companies have a PREVIEW before a CRITICS NIGHT. A preview is equivalent to the first full-length dress-tech rehearsal with audience for a simulated show experience. Things will go wrong on preview night as it is the final knot in the process of production. CRITICS NIGHT is the first real show, and you’re welcome to sharpen your claws there.
5) You get what you pay, or don’t pay for. As much as possible, try to pay for your ticket. The fact that you paid for your ticket will make all the difference in your review, now that you’ve put value to seat and your time.
6) Show, not tell.
This applies to all opinion pieces. Assume your readers have not seen the show yet. Most of the time, the stuff onstage has never been seen or heard of before. This is a writing basic: give examples, give supporting details, don’t make generalizations.
A lot of these are writing basics. Golden rule: never forget the basics, they always work, in print or online.
Keep WOW Philippines alive!
In the aftermath of the tragedy, it will be more than the hostages lives that will be taken. Thousands of international tourists have already cancelled their trips to the Philippines. This is not just some vain concern. There are regions and villages that are entirely dependent on tourism to put food on the table and send their children to school.
What happened at Luneta is despicable. Luneta itself is ridden with crime, but even this incident is an extreme exception more than it is a norm. There is a need for an upheaval in the system, yes. And we should demand for that change.
At the same time, there is a little something we could do to make change, and a little brighter future for our country.
I was based in Jakarta when the bomb went off in Bali in 2002. I have seen Kuta, Bali entirely deserted of tourists when I visited later that year. I have also seen how it was locals and other Asians who helped bring Bali back to life. It took a few years, but Bali got back on track.
I call for Filipinos to do the same by travelling locally. This is the time to help our country and kababayan out by exploring the beauty of our own shores. There is so much to discover in this country, and the antics of one madman and the ineptness of our police should not destroy our local treasures and heritage. While the rest of the world is scared to visit, it will be the courage and love for our own that will bring them back.
It’s just one little thing that will be a big help to so many others. Pass the thought on.
Justice for the Maguindanao Massacre
For those who haven’t been following the news – Maguindanao Death Toll Climbs to 57. There is never an excuse for violence. Never. Those war lords must be brought down and justice must be served.
Also, while reading this headline, I recalled a quote from the TV movie, Nuremburg, “Lack of conviction is the root of all evil.”
This entry from PCIJ best sums up my sentiments on the entire issue.