RAT C. Bishop's remarks

[Agnes Wilcox <tnt@artsci.wustl.edu>]

In order to discuss theatre in a manner that is stimulating and useful, do
we need to share a common vocabulary and common reference points?  If so,
how do we develop this?  Most newspapers and magazines publish only
reviews, not criticism, as they cut back or cancel their arts coverage.
Colleges and universities focus on a given school of criticism and turn
out many parrots and a few frustrated seekers.

Theatre workers are consumed with doing rather than writing or speaking
about the work.  Some of us barely have the time to think about what we do
and see.  And few people with whom to talk.

The lack of theatre community today is due in part to this lack of real
discussion, real communication, real sharing.

Perhaps the Iowa conference's focus on politics will give us the shared
vocabulary to speak meaningfully to each other about theatre.  And I
suspect that eye-to-eye there will be less bullshit than there is on this
very limited form we call e-mail.


Agnes Wilcox