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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

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
Mar
22
Critical Corner: A Streetcar Named Desire, Animal

Critical Corner: A Streetcar Named Desire, Animal

In this edition of Critical Corner, reviews of Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival shows A Streetcar Named Desire and Animal.
5 min read
Mar
14
Critical Corner: Smashed and Hedy!

Critical Corner: Smashed and Hedy!

In this edition of Critical Corner, reviews of Auckland Arts Festival shows SMASHED - The Nightcap and HEDY! The Life and Inventions of Hedy Lamarr.
4 min read
Mar
07
Critical Corner: Belle

Critical Corner: Belle

In this edition of Critical Corner, a review of Belle, playing as part of the Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival.
3 min read
Mar
05
I Have Too Many Thoughts and Feelings About Six: The Musical

I Have Too Many Thoughts and Feelings About Six: The Musical

Some too-deep thoughts and scattered feelings about Six: The Musical.
5 min read