DISQUS

Cambiare Productions: http://frawst.blogspot.com/2007/07/in-defense-of-pretension.html

  • Ian W. Hill · 2 years ago
    Why am I wrong?

    As far as I can see, you aren't. I'm looking over this again, and not finding anything to disagree with here . . . in fact I'd like to quote something you said that I say in pretty much the same words, fairly often:

    But there is nothing more pretentious (definition 1) than announcing to the world that the work you are presenting is for the Common Man! Unlike the elitist pricks over there! Announcing lack of pretension is the equivalent of apologizing in advance. If you aren't trying to do something with your production, no matter how low your aim, it starts dead and can only rot from there.

    How can we achieve pretentious goals without being elitist pricks?

    By not being elitist pricks, period. Which means simply liking what you're liking and doing what you're doing and committing to it without apology, and keeping an open mind towards all the world has to offer in influence and input. By being a worker and craftsperson first, before being an "artist" (if you are, as I like to think I am, great, but the nuts-and-bolts WORK comes first, even in making the most intellectually ambitious and "elitist" art).

    Is there a good example of art made for NO REASON that was any good?

    As there are always exceptions, I'm sure I must have seen one at some point -- sometimes, chance falls in such a way that a piece not created to try and do something actually DOES something. Then, if you can, you judge the piece and not the intentions (it's always the work, not the artist/craftsperson to trust).

    I have the feeling I must have seen one, but off the top of my head I can't think of one.

    IWH















  • J.D. · 2 years ago
    Oh my God, man! Thank you for articulating so well what I,too, have experienced over the years.

    Recently, I attended a festival and was shocked by how badly it was put together. Admittedly I had high expectations, as I have recently left a theatre community who plays poor in the martyred way you describe in an earlier post. The play was good. Anywho...the acting, the blocking, the set were all bad, and the audience (except me and my partner) stood at the end. The audience was primarily theatre people, from what I gleaned from the pre-show conversation.

    It's not enough to do do theatre. It must be done well. Otherwise it's like spitting at the audience. Which is a whole different kind of theatre, in and of itself.

    Glad to have found your blog.
    Cheers,
    J.D.