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Dramatic Pause
A newsletter for arts and culture coverage across New Zealand and the world, including journalism, reviews, and essays by Sam Brooks.

Latest

Sep
08
Critical Corner: Bic Runga with Auckland Phil; The Paper

Critical Corner: Bic Runga with Auckland Phil; The Paper

In this edition of Critical Corner, reviews of Bic Runga performing with Auckland Phil and The Office spinoff The Paper.
5 min read
Jul
30
Arts criticism in Aotearoa is comatose

Arts criticism in Aotearoa is comatose

A little rant about the state of criticism – mostly theatre – in this country, from someone who has written far too many reviews.
7 min read
Jun
27
Down the awa: How Taniwha made its way to the stage

Down the awa: How Taniwha made its way to the stage

A conversation with the makers behind Silo Theatre's Taniwha about the special process that led to the making of a very special show.
8 min read
Jun
11
The trajectory of an ethical bullet

The trajectory of an ethical bullet

4 min read
May
05
Critical Corner: Surplus Women

Critical Corner: Surplus Women

In this edition of Critical Corner, a review of Surplus Women, Michelle Duff’s debut collection of short stories.
4 min read
Apr
24
Critical Corner: Speed is Emotional

Critical Corner: Speed is Emotional

In this edition of Critical Corner, a review of Speed is Emotional, the new show presented by Silo Theatre in collaboration with Barbarian Productions.
4 min read
Apr
08
Critical Corner: The White Lotus Season Three

Critical Corner: The White Lotus Season Three

In this edition of Critical Corner, a response to the third season of The White Lotus.
5 min read
Apr
03

Assessing the suggested plays in the draft Year 7-13 English curriculum

Something a bit different from me today! This week, the draft Year 7-13 English curriculum was released along with a
6 min read
Mar
31
The double-edged sword of comfort art

The double-edged sword of comfort art

What is the value of comfort in art?
6 min read
Mar
26
Critical Corner: The Residence, Love; Mum

Critical Corner: The Residence, Love; Mum

In this edition of Critical Corner, reviews of Netflix murder mystery The Residence and new Pasifika play Love; Mum.
5 min read