Lost in Shakespeare
Lost in Shakespeare by Harmony Theatre Company and School
Okay, so...I've taken some flak, over the years, for my criticism of children's shows.
Basically -- I have endeavored to hold them to the same critical standard that I hold all theatre to. My reasoning for this is twofold:
1) The fact that they've chosen to apply to a public Festival, and charge money to all and sundry to see their work, suggests to me that they actively desire that level of scrutiny; and
2) I recall being a child actor, and that I was intensely grateful to those who held me to an adult standard, and deeply annoyed with those who chose not to because of my age.
...basically, I regard writing criticism of children's theatre as a way of demonstrating respect. That said -- for the first time in six years of writing theatre reviews -- I'm not going to review this one.
I found myself waiting at the box office for a while, behind several people who were bewildered at the process of buying a button -- in my experience, this indicates a body of people who aren't planning to see more than one Fringe show. After I'd received my ticket -- as I entered the theatre and sat down, several other members of the audience glowered at me suspiciously -- presumably wondering who this strange man watching their children was.
The basic conceit of the show was clever, and several of the performances (both adult and child) were quite charming, and suggested potential. But this wasn't a performance for me -- it wasn't a performance for curious strangers to wander into. This was a performance that existed to create an experience for the children who were a part of it. I don't want to dismiss or devalue that by applying a deep level of critical analysis to it -- so I'm not going to.
My question, rather, is for the adult who made the decision to present this show in such an environment. Why would you take a process and performers so vulnerable -- and hold them up to public scrutiny in this manner? Particularly to douchebags like me?
Rarig Center, University of Minnesota
330 21st Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
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Comments
Be fair
Phillip - I was at that same performance and not one of the people you identified as a parent but have been a fan of this little theatre company for quite some time. They have BY FAR the youngest troupe of serious actors at the fringe (some as young as 5) and they're fantastic production of the Little Prince at the fringe last year brought me back this year. Outside the fringe they have done productions concerning the second world war ...and all original productions.
What you fail to mention in your weak "non review" is that the show you saw was the first show....and sparsely attended. Check out the actual audience reviews for this play at the fringe and you will see many "non-parents" have enjoyed this interesting play, introducing children to the works of Shakespeare and that it has attracted a couple of sell-out/standing room only shows at the fringe.
By your own admission you don't enjoy children's productions and you have your own fringe productions you are hawking. My question to you and the Daily Planet is so why not be fair and stay away from blogging meanly about small theatre companies. This was a great show and clearly produced to give these youngsters experience on stage they cannot get anywhere else. You are self-interested and do not support youth theatre. Go away......or at least give the kids a chance to get a show or two under their belts before opening your mouth....
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