I've tried some art critique in my own journalistic career, which landed me in the proverbial dog box. I was not welcome at the theatre any more and quickly taken off the beat at work - not considered a patron by those who required my attendance. It was quite painful, I have to say.
At the time, when inspiration got the better of me, I felt so grand pulling the piece apart, giving the public a piece of my mind. But it did not go down well. My purgatory lasted about a year, then I just couldn't keep away anymore. Now, years later, I bask in the smiles of the art custodians and love my happy place - the front row seats of our two darling theatres. I've learnt my lesson: Enjoy with an open mind … and remember, they are all volunteers. Any theatre production, no matter how bad, is better than television. It's got aura points.
Being kicked out of artsy groups is not new to me. It's happened before. I'm telling you this because every time I think back, I dissolve in giggles.
I was in my 30s when a talented writer, who also happens to write for our media group, started a creative writing group that he chaired. I was invited, and yes, I signed up. My first challenge was to explain to some members that even though my poem was written in the first person, I did not need counselling for physical abuse. I was channelling, OK?
They did not quite believe me.
My second stumble came soon after. We all pitched in for a writing relay - one person starts the story and hands it over to the next, and they to the next, and so on. I was the second to last person to receive the story and added my contribution. The tone of the story was clearly erotic, and heading towards a volcanic end. I made it my mission to not disappoint with the task at hand.
Alas, it was very ill received.
Snaking sessions followed, and my immediate suspension was requested.
The chairperson refused to banish me to the wordless desert and asked for greater understanding. All this completely baffled me, because, reading my crowd, I actually steered away from the explicit and dabbled with what I thought was merely erotic. "We are not amused," they said.Looking back, I want to share a phrase that has often helped me in moments of solitude. What others think of you is none of your business.
They have the right to their opinion, and you have the right to be yourself.
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