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"Critics are the syphilis and gonorrhea of the theater" - David Mamet

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#3

re: 'Critics are the syphilis and gonorrhea of the theater' - David Mamet

I understand from a friend who was in November, that David Mamet has no cell phone and no laptop. He sat in the rehearsals in a corner with a typewriter, typing much of the time. And he could not be reached by cell phone. Gotta admire a guy like that!
#6

re: 'Critics are the syphilis and gonorrhea of the theater' - David Mamet

I am trying to measure the difference between a teacher calling out "Speak up please, we can't hear you!" and 'Get the [bleep] off my stage! Now, and Don't [bleep]ing come back until we can hear you. How dare you? You're whispering. On the stage. It's [bleep]ing passive-aggressive. You know, only people who are full of [bleep] whisper,' "
#9

re: 'Critics are the syphilis and gonorrhea of the theater' - David Mamet

In one of the American Theater Wing seminars from years ago, I remember John Malkovich saying that he thought critics should have to see a show 4 or 5 times before they could review it. I thought that was kind of interesting.
"The gods who nurse this universe think little of mortals' cares. They sit in crowds on exclusive clouds and laugh at our love affairs. I might have had a real romance if they'd given me a chance. I loved him, but he didn't love me. I wanted him, but he didn't want me. Then the gods had a spree and indulged in another whim. Now he loves me, but I don't love him." - Cole Porter
#11

re: 'Critics are the syphilis and gonorrhea of the theater' - David Mamet

"No one is offended by his comments about actresses?"

While his point about the term actor/actress isn't a bad one it was stated in a horribly disgusting way.

"'There's nothing worse than being a woman in show business . . . you'll be asked to do only two things in every [bleep]ing role you ever play: take your shirt off and cry.'"

Now this is very insulting and wrong.
"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".
#12

re: 'Critics are the syphilis and gonorrhea of the theater' - David Mamet

While I dislike the notion that women in show business are only asked to do two things, none of this really surprises me. It's Mamet after all - did you really expect him to write the way he does and be all laughs and sunshine when he's just being himself? And I honestly kind of agree with the notion of actresses being referred to as actors. While I've never really given it much thought and I'm certainly not as passionate about it as he seems to be, the comparison to writers not referring to themselves as writressess is actually pretty sound.
#16

re: 'Critics are the syphilis and gonorrhea of the theater' - David Mamet

Yes. :)

To rip off of Linda Winer: "I find the less I know about David Mamet, the more I like his work."

"Y'know, I think Bertolt Brecht was rolling in his grave."
-Nellie McKay on the 2006 Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera, in which she played Polly Peachum

Updated On: 12/29/08 at 05:51 PM

#17

re: 'Critics are the syphilis and gonorrhea of the theater' - David Mamet

Wow...this makes me wonder if I had the chance to have been a student of his, would I do it? He's certainly impassioned and some of the best teachers are the ones who make your life a living hell re: 'Critics are the syphilis and gonorrhea of the theater' - David Mamet
You're reminding me of people you hear at the movies asking questions every ten seconds, "Who is that? Why is that guy walking down the street? Who's that lady coming up to him? Uh-oh, why did that car go by? Why is it so dark in this theater?" - FindingNamo on strummergirl

"If artists were machines, then I'm just a different kind of machine...I'd probably be a toaster. Actually, I'd be a toaster oven because they're more versatile. And I like making grilled cheese" -Regina Spektor

"That's, like, twelve shows! ...Or seven." -Crazy SA Fangirl

"They say that just being relaxed is the most important thing [in acting]. I take that to another level, I think kinda like yawning and...like being partially asleep onstage is also good, but whatever." - Sherie Rene Scott
#18

re: 'Critics are the syphilis and gonorrhea of the theater' - David Mamet

This is all just HEARSAY from some two-bit ACTRESS out to make a buck.

Though I hope it's all true so my memories of Mamet are not all wrong!

Still, you have to admit, they would be MUCH better tales if told my Mamet himself - He's my favorite writeress!


"To love another person is to see the face of God!"
#21

re: 'Critics are the syphilis and gonorrhea of the theater' - David Mamet

Yes, being verbally abusive to ones students is so endearing.

A pity someone didn't belt him in the jaw and whisper "Can you hear me NOW, Mr. Mamet?"
"Hurry up and get into your conga clothes - we've got to do something to save this show!"
#22

re: 'Critics are the syphilis and gonorrhea of the theater' - David Mamet

C'mon, this is obviously a MAMETism and just his way of getting a reaction or performance from a student.
As I stated, he married and has collaborated with several wonderful actresses.
As for whores, he allowed the casting of the exMs Ritchie in the Broadway Premier of this very play.
#23

re: 'Critics are the syphilis and gonorrhea of the theater' - David Mamet

Critics are the syph and gonorrhea of the theater, which leaves being the dick and vagina of the theater to Mr. Mamet.

I've hated him for a long time but now he's approaching Neil Labute levels and I ABHOR him.
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