Critique of a Critic

Critiquing a work of art, whatever the medium be, is not about pleasing someone. In fact, criticism is an art in itself. It is the art of intellectually stating an opinion. Though it does on occasion, this opinion is not relegated to coincide with the opinions of others, nor should it be. The structure of the opinion is made for the audience, the sole opinion, however, is not. Exemplifying this idea is theater blogger Don Hall.

Throughout Kris Vire’s 2008 TimeOut Chicago article, Hall offers insightful, intelligent, and humorous opinions that refrain from aiming to please. For example, when Hall, referring to readers, said, “… I like it when they call me an ass. I get a lot of angry e-mails – I try to answer them. The debate is the ‘sharpening stone,’” the term "validation" comes to mind. Letters like the ones described by Hall are validation work is being read. As stated before, no one should be forced to write to others’ opinions, but remaining true to your own observations and conclusions will often result in negative responses from readers. These responses are the kinds of conversation an insightful and intelligent piece should spark.

In addition, Hall’s humor, an inviting writing characteristic, is evident in many posts from his blog Angry White Guy In Chicago. For instance, in his recent post entitled, “Don’t You Have to Put Down a Rabid Dog?” pictures of Obama protesters are followed by one line: “The irony of the last sign's tagline: ‘In troubled times, the fearful and naive are always drawn to charismatic radicals.’" Hall’s 20-word critique is both humorous and succinct, and the best thing about Hall’s humor is that it isn’t overt. It’s merely honest.

Hall’s range of intelligence is also evident. As Hall said in Vire’s article, “in order to appropriately criticize, a dollop of self-awareness is necessary – knowing your own prejudices, etc.” Hall can be seen writing as a witty, self-aware blogger in the 2007 post “A PhD in ‘Starving Artist.’” Hall comments on an industry in which he knows his own prejudices, and he does it in a clever and creative way when he concludes, “Ian is getting his degree - the only degree that ultimately matters - experience on the street level of live theater.” Evidence that just like a critic, degrees for actors aren’t always obtained through lofty, ivy covered institutions.

Finally, Vire’s article concludes with Hall's determination in the spirit of criticism for himself and aspiring critics when Hall stated, “… for all the bitching about money, money has little to do with this thing we do.” This is correct. It isn’t about money, nor should it be. It is about a passion that encompasses insight and intelligence through wit and humor.

Kris Vire's Article:
http://chicago.timeout.com/articles/features/25801/critical-condition/5.html

Don Hall's "Rabid Dog" Post:
http://donhall.blogspot.com/2009/09/dont-you-have-to-put-down-rabid-dog.html#links

Don Hall's "Starving Artist" Post:
http://donhall.blogspot.com/2006/08/phd-in-starving-artist.html#links