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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

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
Sep
04
Writing with AI is not writing

Writing with AI is not writing

If you’ve been doing literally anything better with your time over the past 72 hours, you might’ve missed
4 min read
Sep
02
Critical Corner: Kaos

Critical Corner: Kaos

In this edition of Critical Corner, a review of Netflix’s messy Kaos.
4 min read
Aug
05
Critical Corner: Home Truths

Critical Corner: Home Truths

A review of Ngaio Marsh Award-winning author Charity Norman's new novel Home Truths.
5 min read
Jul
26
Critical Corner: Parade by Rachel Cusk

Critical Corner: Parade by Rachel Cusk

In this edition of Critical Corner, a quick review of Rachel Cusk’s Parade.
4 min read