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July 08, 2005

Lebrecht: Why American Arts Journalism Is So Bad
 by Douglas McLennan
Norman Lebrecht doesn't think much of American arts journalism. "The failure to challenge is a fundamental flaw in US arts journalism. The tone in US arts coverage is uniformly respectful, uninquiring, inherently supportive." And how did this happen? Because there are few cities with multiple critical voices. "This monopoly places an unhealthy burden on critics. If theirs is to be the only voice to pronounce on a new show or the fate of an institution, they are obliged to wear a mantle of responsibility that is antithetical to good journalism. A critic is licensed to get it wrong from time to time. Restrict that license and the reviews grow safe and solemn. An era of incorporation fostered a pontifical tone in American arts criticism." La Scena Musicale 04/01/04

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Director Weighs In On Critics
 by Douglas McLennan
Why isn't American theatre criticism more of a "companion piece" than a Consumer Reports verdict, wonders Anna Shapiro. "Two things baffle me and make me angry, and they are this: When somebody writes about a new play and says the play is beautiful; the production is beautiful; the performances are stunning; the directing is weak. That makes me angry. But not as angry as: The direction is beautiful; the production is wonderful; the actors are amazing; the play is weak. That makes even less sense to me." Chicago Tribune 07/03/05

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UK
 by Douglas McLennan
Hugh Canning
Norman Lebrecht
Fiona Maddocks

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Canadian
 by Douglas McLennan
Colin Eatock
Robert Everett-Green

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American
 by Douglas McLennan
Willa Conrad
Andrew Druckenbrod
Lawrence Johnson
Josh Kosman
Allan Kozinn
Anne Midgette
Tim Page
Donald Rosenberg
Tim Smith
David Patrick Stearns

Posted at 12:37 PM | permalink | email this entry | Comments (0)

Biting Back At Toothless Critics
 by Douglas McLennan
Why the thumbs up/down review has damaged critics' power to set agendas. ArtsJournal 03/14/01

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Testing this...
 by Douglas McLennan

a test of the new critics clog...

Posted at 11:13 AM | permalink | email this entry | Comments (0)