Lyn Gardner, the second theatre critic at the Guardian, known for seeing off-mainstream work, is not having her contract renewed. Michael Billington remains. The Guardian claim it will be looking for fresh new voices.
Andy Field, an off-mainstream theatre maker, provides an impassioned defence of her role as a critic in the theatre eco-system - particularly the off-mainstream ecology.
I note that minority theatre makers such as black british practitioners, LGBQT and other off-mainstream artists discuss about the lack of a strong black critic (/other critic) that can engage with work on a sophisticated level but also with empathy and understanding. Similar arguments are made in the world of curating.
There is also a tradition of critics being writer themselves. Perhaps most famously Bernard Shaw, although modern critics have also written and been performed.
I'm not going to add further opinion but comment in remembrance.
In 2003, Lyn Gardner gave one of my first performed plays, LOST IN PERU, 2 stars a poor review but with the parting hopeful words of "But, goodness, it is great to see a young writer reaching out beyond his own experience." I did meet my future wife at the play, so there's that (and why else write except to find life mates?)
In 2007, Lyn Gardner described my version of NAKAMITSU as "small but exquisitely formed" and 3 stars and a rather good review.
I'm sure she will continue reviewing somewhere and somehow (she does write still for the Stage). Perhaps, I will have a play on again and see if I can continue to increase my star count over 10 years later.
More thoughts: My Financial Times opinion article on long-term investing and how to engage with companies.
How to live a life, well lived. Thoughts from a dying man. On play and playing games.
If you'd like to feel inspired by commencement addresses and life lessons try: Neil Gaiman on making wonderful, fabulous, brilliant mistakes; or Nassim Taleb's commencement address; or JK Rowling on the benefits of failure. Or Charlie Munger on always inverting; Sheryl Sandberg on grief, resilience and gratitude.
A provoking read on how to raise a feminist child.
Cross fertilise. Read about the autistic mind here.