Theresa Rebeck's Seminar reveals what happens behind the closed doors of a creative writing seminar, surely a brilliant idea for a play. I've attended my share of these seminars, some of which were more helpful than others. But there is rich material here for any dramatist interested in the spectacle of aspiring writers daring to bare their artistic souls in public and risk scathing putdowns, thinly disguised as constructive criticism, for which they are supposed to be extremely grateful.
Haven Theatre is staging the Chicago premiere of Seminar, which was last seen on Broadway in 2012. The writing seminar in question is led by Leonard, an international literary figure. Four aspiring young novelists sign up for the class, expecting to be taught by a Great Man of Literature. But, as Chicago Tribune critic Chris Jones reveals in his review, he "...turns out to be a sexist, abusive, creepy curmudgeon." But still, brilliant in his way.
Actor Tom Hickey plays Leonard, and his hapless students are played by Keith Neagle, Carl Lindberg, Mary Williamson and Atra Asdou.
This production, directed by Marti Lyons, raises interesting questions: Do great writers actually come out of such seminars? Is great writing really something that can be taught? And, when does constructive criticism cross the line and become abuse?
As Jones notes, "More hogwash, claptrap and balderdash is dispensed in the name of teaching writing than for any other creative field, although both acting and directing are close behind." It is definitely high time that such seminars, with their admixture of advice good and bad, be treated as dramas in and of themselves.
Haven Theatre's production is playing at Theater Wit in Chicago through April 13.
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