Deck 15: Viewpoints

Question 1

With the ever increasing cost of ticket prices, more and more people have to depend on a play's reviews to help them make decisions. Get five reviews of the same production and compare and contrast the viewpoints of each critic. For your conclusion explain whether you think a person should use play reviews to help make their play going decisions.

Answer 1

Review 1:
Critic A: "The production was a masterpiece, with stunning performances and a visually breathtaking set. It is a must-see for any theater lover."

Review 2:
Critic B: "While the acting was solid, I found the production to be lacking in originality. The plot felt predictable and the set design was underwhelming."

Review 3:
Critic C: "I was blown away by the emotional depth of the performances. The production was a raw and powerful experience that left me speechless."

Review 4:
Critic D: "The pacing of the production was off, and I found it hard to connect with the characters. It felt like the production was trying too hard to be profound."

Review 5:
Critic E: "The production was a mixed bag for me. Some elements, like the costume design, were top-notch, while others, like the sound design, fell flat."

In comparing these reviews, it is clear that there is a wide range of opinions on the same production. While some critics were impressed by the performances and emotional impact of the play, others found fault in the pacing, originality, and overall execution of the production.

In conclusion, while play reviews can provide valuable insight and different perspectives on a production, they should not be the sole factor in making a decision about attending a play. Every individual has their own unique tastes and preferences, and what one person may dislike about a play, another may find appealing. It is important to consider a variety of factors, such as personal interests, the reputation of the production company, and the overall consensus of reviews, before making a decision about attending a play. Ultimately, play reviews can be helpful in providing information and sparking critical thinking, but they should not be the sole determinant in whether or not to see a production.

Question 2

What type of background, education, and experience do you feel a theatre critic should have before being allowed to review professional/Broadway plays. Explain your answers.

Answer 2

A theatre critic should have a strong background in theatre, including education and experience in acting, directing, or technical aspects of theatre production. This will give them a deep understanding of the craft and the ability to analyze and critique performances from a knowledgeable perspective. Additionally, they should have a strong education in literature, drama, and the arts in general, as well as strong writing and communication skills.

In terms of experience, a theatre critic should have a history of writing about theatre, whether it be through journalism, blogging, or other forms of critique. They should also have experience attending a wide variety of theatrical productions, including professional and Broadway plays, in order to have a broad perspective and understanding of different styles and genres.

Overall, a well-rounded education and experience in theatre, literature, and the arts, combined with a history of writing and critiquing theatre, are essential for a theatre critic to be able to provide informed and insightful reviews of professional and Broadway plays.

Question 3

As we've seen, critics serve as mediators between audiences and the artists. What sorts of mediation does a playwright do for each of these groups? Is this service of value?

Answer 3

Playwrights serve as mediators between audiences and artists by creating and shaping the content that is presented on stage. For audiences, playwrights provide a means of connecting with the themes, emotions, and stories that are being told. They have the ability to challenge, provoke, and inspire audiences through their work. For artists, playwrights provide the blueprint for their creative expression, offering a framework upon which actors, directors, and designers can collaborate to bring a vision to life.

The mediation provided by playwrights is of immense value. They offer a unique perspective and voice that can both reflect and shape the culture and society in which they exist. By creating stories that resonate with audiences and inspire artists, playwrights play a crucial role in the development and evolution of the theatrical art form. Their ability to bridge the gap between audience and artist is essential for the continued growth and relevance of theatre as an art form.

Question 4

The leading theatre critic for the New York Times is

A) Frank Rich
B) David Richards
C) Ben Brantley
D) Brooks Atkinson

Question 5

The two types of criticism are

A) Literary and descriptive criticism
B) Qualitative and quantitative criticism
C) Descriptive and prescriptive criticism
D) Dramatic and literary criticism.

Question 6

Angels in America, Part Two: Perestroika was written by

A) Arthur Miller
B) Tony Kushner
C) Tennessee Williams
D) Mel Gussow

Question 7

When Frank Rich wrote for the New York Times, he was known as

A) The Beast of the Bowery
B) The Butcher of Broadway
C) The Pariah of Shubert Alley
D) The Great White Shark of the Great White Way

Question 8

Among the viewpoints brought by an audience are

A) Artistic quality
B) Entertainment value
C) Human and social significance
D) All of these

Question 9

Aristophanes and Euripides were scorned in ancient Greece as a result of their

A) Warmongering
B) Theatrical innovations
C) Pacificism
D) Homosexuality

Question 10

Catharsis is best defined as

A) Revision of attitudes by reflection
B) Clearing emotions through pity and fear
C) Liberation from despair
D) None of these

Question 11

According to Stanley Kaufmann, life is the playwright's subject while __________ is the critic's subject.

A) Commerce
B) Criticism
C) Theatre
D) Art

Question 12

All theatre criticism involves

A) Description and summary
B) Evaluation and description
C) Substance and form
D) None of these

Question 13

With her review of American Buffalo, Edith Oliver brought ___________ to the attention of theatre going audiences.

A) David Hare
B) David Rabe
C) David Mamet
D) David del Tredidi

Question 14

When we say that we each have aesthetic standards we are simply stating that we know what we like and what we don't like.

Question 15

Whether the critic is good or bad doesn't depend on his opinions but on the reasons he can offer for those opinions.

Question 16

Sam Shepard wrote American Buffalo.

Question 17

Theatre criticism is as much an economic force as it is an appraisal.

Question 18

The best plays explore what it means to be human in ordinary circumstances.

Question 19

In some way, every great production must be entertaining.

Question 20

Scholarly criticism has been unaffected by recent academic trends, such as semiotics and deconstructionism.