As members of the theater community at Wes, we were upset by the preview of “Tape” written by Grace Overbeke in last Friday’s issue of the Argus. To write such a piercing review of a show a week before it opens is not only inaccurate, but also contradictory to an educational environment. We are on a university campus. Where else are you going to have the opportunity to takes chances and act in parts that stretch you to your limits?
Especially in the middle of an actor’s process, student actors shouldn’t be hindered by blanket statements such as “she lacks the quality of taut layered emotion necessary for the character,” or “he is too awkward an actor.” Anyone who has ever been involved in a theatrical process knows that a show comes together in the last week, and actors improve in leaps and bounds. In writing this review, Grace only serves to demoralize the actors, when, a week before the show, having confidence in one’s performance is paramount. Second-guessing one’s choices is death for any actor, and will only make them distrust their instincts. Even Grace’s praises of Chris Correa were tainted by blows at other actors. Our education doesn’t just happen in the classroom, and plays here should never be judged as a final product, especially a week before they go up.
It is worth noting, Grace’s one-sentence disclaimer does not begin to make up for her criticisms in this review that was clearly not a preview.
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