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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

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
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