What Others Say: Artistic Unity, And How Not To Respond To Criticism

How should an artist respond to a critic’s negative response to their work, especially if they think the critic has got it wrong? When dealing with brickbats, is it fair of an artist to expect other artists to rally behind in support, simply because they are of the same fraternity?

The recent spat between actor-playwright Leslie Jordan and theatre critic Elisabeth Vincentelli has been rather ugly, and it has raised many such questions about the nature of conversations between artist and critic, between artist and artist.

The Indian theatre scene is bereft of all such wars. I wonder if that is something to be pleased about or worried about. Better rows over well thought-out criticism than verbatim reproductions of the play’s promotional text, I say!

Head over to the Guardian Theatre Blog for their take on the issue:
Noises off: Sense and sensitivity to criticism

Article by Shuchi

Shuchi lives in Bangalore (mostly), when she isn't traveling out of town for work. She adores theatre and writes about plays she watches whenever she gets a chance.

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