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Re: “Man vs. Machine”
thank you for the informative and non-self-centered work here. I feel ready to make a choice on my evening and that is how I want to feel after reading a review.
Re: “On the Wings of Revolution”
now this is a tight and informative review that is NOT about the reviewer but about the show. the opinion of the reviewer is there but NOT the conceit.
well done. think Ill see the show.
Re: “Books Are Dead. (Long Live Books.)”
ya know graham.......you missed the point. those words - lazy, under-informed, arrogant/ignorant - are adjectives that accurately describe much , if not all, of Hallet's theatre reviews. they are not attacks, they are words to amplify my opinion. what does have a destructive effect (on productions) are reviews that are lazy, under-informed and arrogant instead of thoughtful, mature criticism.....and, contrary to your knee-jerk assertions, i'm not interested automatic, undeserved respect from anyone - much less reviewers. however, when the work is clearly respectable, and not the usual intra-mural mug-and-mumble fest that generally passes for it here in PDX, it should be accorded a robust, well-informed review - negative or postive. in days of yore the role of the critic was assigned to an elder. this person would have demonstrated over time that they knew what they were talking about and therefore could be useful to the public by advising them on the bad, good and great shows they reviewed. it was hoped that these writers would have passed through their conceits by the time they were given this responsibilty and would as detachedly as possible craft reviews of value for the people. PDX audiences should not have to rely on such blatantly immature and narcissistic reviewing.
Re: “Books Are Dead. (Long Live Books.)”
it is true that Hallett will tend to indulge her often lazy and under-informed perspectives. for me it is an art crime to have a mostly ignorant (and arrogant) critic, with what seems to be a free and un-edited hand, sitting in judgement on artists many of whom dedicate their lives, usually with great financial/social sacrifice, to the rigors and disciplines of performance. adopting a lofty attitude w/out doing the homework and then publishing it weekly harms much more than it helps.
Re: “War Stories”
this is not a review....again. once more it's a Hallet journal entry of the time she spent not fulfilling her duty to the playgoing public. ax her. please.
Re: “Portland Center Stage, In Reeling Economy, Takes an Ax To Its Staff”
This is great. Now we got dialogue. I particularly endorse the assertion of "upstairs/downstairs" attitudes at The Armory. I will only add that in my own professional dealings with PCS I have been lied to several times by management. Mostly absurdly trivial stuff - like "my dog ate scene ii"- but also major dishonestry intended to deceive for their gain.
This is the thing that really hurts though. That building is so beautiful. As we watch the quality people drain out of it and the ego monsters remain it all seems such a horible waste. The Armory will one day house a world class theatre company. Let's get some new leadership there. One that isn't full of shit. One that has enough brains and heart and selflessness to serve the text. aaAnd one that positvely reeks talent. ART turned it around. So can the PCS. Let Coleman and significant others be let go now. Don't stop to worry. Do the right thing.
RSSGoing to Seattle?
Re: “Boomer Bait”
as a late stage boomer i have to agree with graham and hallett. however, those who ignore the past....... beware the mote and mustard seed, etc.