The cast of "Punk Rock Girl!" Photo by Britton Wade. By Carter James, Editor in chief
The role of a critic is analyzing art and commenting on culture in itself. They are a liaison between the creative and the consumer. While the sentiment nowadays is that the critics don’t understand the tastes of audiences, it is crucial to recognize how important they are in shaping the public’s perception of art.
Three years ago, I abused my powers as a critic and wronged the community I am supposed to speak for.
In my review of the Montevallo Theatre Production of “Punk Rock Girl!” I debased the theatre department by claiming that they had chosen a show that poorly reflects the hard work of their students. I now recognize that my words were too harsh because “Punk Rock Girl!” is the type of show that best represents Montevallo Theatre.
My choice of critiquing the show was out of ignorance and my lack of understanding how Punk is not just a genre; it’s a way of life.
Having needle drops from Katy Perry and Pink seem anachronistic to the unaware, but now I realize that the lack of Punk music in a punk jukebox musical is innovative, avant garde and truly punk.
Through many discussions with people who worked on the show, alumni, fellow critics and current theatre students, my issues with the pace of the show are now gone. I am always open to have a dialogue about the art I critique, and due to some strong convincing, which one could say I was forced to comply, pacing does not matter in a show. I should be grateful that I don’t have to sit with a scene, according to reports about my generation and attention spans, the breakneck pace of “Punk Rock Girl!” was specifically designed for Gen Z.
Unfunny is a charged word. Hurtful rhetoric if I’m honest. Comedy is subjective. My general distaste for quirky humor was offensive to the quirked-upcommunity of Montevallo. I had to unlearn that problematic behavior.
In perilous times for the arts such as these, unity is more important than ever. Negativity has no place in theatre. I had nothing good to say, therefore I shouldn’t have said anything at all. I don’t want to be remembered as the guy who tore the school a part due to their opinions, I want to bring everyone together.
Superman from “Superman” taught me that kindness is the real punk rock. I was too immature to understand the power of making friends along the way that “Punk Rock Girl!” displayed. I am grateful for the subversive masterpiece that the theatre department gave us. Everyone worked so hard to make something that truly represents what the school stands for, and now nearing graduation, I finally understand what Montevallo stands for.
Modern criticisms are based on hate and engagement, and I refuse to stand for that anymore. Like they say on stage, this apology is my denouement. I will never criticize again.
Carter James is the editor in chief of the Alabamian. He is a senior Mass Communication major with a concentration in broadcast production and minor in digital filmmaking. He is an avid cinephile, the occasional gamer and Batman fanatic in his spare time.
