Critical Perspective

During this technological age in which everyone’s a blogger, Kris Vire moderated an online discussion between several critics of various mediums. The piece that was published in Time Out Chicago touched on topics ranging from what it takes to be a critic and the relationship between reader and writer. Among the involved perspectives, Don Hall stood out as a voice that understood both the changing culture and the time-tested tradition of critical writing.

The first question to stir a debate was whether a critic’s passion should outweigh his or her education. However, Hall was the first to observe that the two are inseparable. He insisted, “I think passion and education go hand in hand. If you’re passionate about theater, you’ll likely educate yourself about it.” Instead scaling the two qualities according to importance, Hall noted that knowledge of a certain craft follows one’s love for it.  Given the amount of fascination toward a subject, it is only logical that an individual would indulge in that love. Though he opts out of ranking passion over education, he does not undermine its value. Regarding a critic’s love, Hall remarks, “Which indicates that for all the bitching about money, money has little to do with this thing we do.”

Alongside passion and education, Don Hall claims awareness is also vital to the critical process. He asserts, “In order to appropriately criticize, a dollop of self-awareness is necessary - knowing your prejudices, etc.” By this, Hall means a critic must recognize his or her specific interests and tastes when reviewing any medium. This is important not because it forms a bias but because it allows the critic to recognize when preconceived notions are broken or confirmed. 

Lastly, Don Hall comments on the radical shift of dynamics between the reader and writer as a result of the Internet Age. Although online anonymity often creates a hostile environment, Hall braves the possibility of any reader response. Despite not knowing whether it’s narcissistic inclination mistaken for courage, Hall views the relationship as a “sharpening stone.” He says, “I like the comments from readers. I like it when they call me an ass.” According to him, fear should never restrain a critic from voicing an opinion. In today’s ever-developing society, that is a lesson beneficial to everyone, not just critics.