LA Stage Blog - Beta

Tony Adams of the Chicago-based site Jay Raskolnikov offers a fantastic example of a theatre artist entering into a conversation with a critic that has reviewed his production. Respectful, intelligent, factual, a little heated, but in the end the kind of dialogue we should be having with critics and the audience and each other here in Los Angeles.

Tony has this great challenge to his audience:

Come and see The Other Shore. When you get home, go back and read this review. If you think it is a completely accurate assessment of the show, and you agree 100% with it, contact me by noon the next day, telling me you agree with the review and why you think I’m wrong.

I’ll post any responses here*, and I will refund the price of your admission-and that’s not all. If folks do ask for their money back, at the end of the run, I’ll also make a donation out of my own pocket of 10% of whatever monies are refunded** in the name of the critic to a charity of his choice.

Bold, creative and productive. But most importantly, NOT defensive. I’d love to hear from people why they think we don’t have these kinds of dialogues. Is it lack accessibility or means of communication? Is it fear of sounding whiny and defensive? Is is pride? What is it? Cuz it doesn’t seem to happen that often here in our Town of Tinsel.

Well done, Jay. I’ll check back and see how it all works out.

Colin Mitchell
LA Stage BLOGGER