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

Latest

Jan
03
Critical Corner: Best Books of 2024

Critical Corner: Best Books of 2024

A little bit late, but hey, here's my best books of last year if you want to get
6 min read
Dec
18
Critical Corner: Best of Theatre 2024

Critical Corner: Best of Theatre 2024

In this edition of Critical Corner, the best shows I saw in 2024, plus specific standouts.
9 min read
Dec
04
How to Break a Text and the Meaning of Resilience

How to Break a Text and the Meaning of Resilience

On the canon – and what it means to break it.
6 min read
Nov
28
Critical Corner: The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale, Ys X

Critical Corner: The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale, Ys X

In this edition of Critical Corner, a review of The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale and the latest game in the Ys series.
8 min read
Nov
20
Critical Corner: The Chthonic Cycle by Una Cruickshank

Critical Corner: The Chthonic Cycle by Una Cruickshank

In this edition of Critical Corner, a review of The Chthonic Cycle by Una Cruickshank, a collection of essays about the permanence and transience of our world.
5 min read
Nov
12
Critical Corner: Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Other Recs

Critical Corner: Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Other Recs

In this edition of Critical Corner, some quick thoughts on Dragon Age: The Veilguard and some more recommendations.
5 min read
Oct
15
Critical Corner: Poorhara

Critical Corner: Poorhara

Michelle Rahurahu's debut novel just might be the best Aotearoa novel of the year.
6 min read
Oct
01
An afternoon with the Fawlty Towers Dining Experience

An afternoon with the Fawlty Towers Dining Experience

Is it theatre? Is it lunch? Is it a tribute to a beloved 70s sitcom? All three, actually.
5 min read
Sep
26
Critical Corner: Be Like Billy and Rigoletto

Critical Corner: Be Like Billy and Rigoletto

In this short edition of Critical Corner, reviews of Be Like Billy and NZ Opera's Rigoletto.
4 min read
Sep
23
Critical Corner: Delirious by Damien Wilkins

Critical Corner: Delirious by Damien Wilkins

Damien Wilkins’ novel about a couple moving onto the next stage of their life reveals itself to be a profound reflection on two lives lived fully, and well.
5 min read