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

Latest

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
Feb
27
Critical Corner: Mā

Critical Corner: Mā

In this week’s edition of Critical Corner, a quick review of Mā, the final show in this year’s Pride Elevates programme.
3 min read
Feb
20
Critical Corner: Star Gazers, Body Story, Panti Bliss

Critical Corner: Star Gazers, Body Story, Panti Bliss

In this edition of Critical Corner, capsule reviews of Body Story, Star Gazers and Panti Bliss.
5 min read
Feb
13
Critical Corner: What Happened to Mary-Anne?

Critical Corner: What Happened to Mary-Anne?

In this edition of Critical Corner, a review of What Happened to Mary-Anne?
4 min read