IRENA'S VOW Reviews — Page 5

"Perhaps this is another example of needing to let a piece challenge your way of thinking instead of wanting it to affirm your way of thinking. I think that line is haunting and succinct in explaining such a delicate matter in a simple way.

In general, I think it wouldn't be frowned upon for me to pass on the sentiment at the Walter Kerr Theatre--despite some negative reviews, this company believes in the piece. The producers stand firmly behind it. Audience responses have been tremendously positive--standing ovations every night as I understand it."


I have no doubt everything in your second paragraph is true. I don't think anyone doubts the company's/producers's sincerity, and while I think the play itself is remarkably mediocre, I don't think those who like it are misguided or wrong. Although, not to say anyone's opinion is right or wrong, but it's not exactly surprising that people choosing to go see a Holocaust play (even one with poor reviews) will give a standing ovation to a true story of courage and survival. I still don't think standing ovations and the company's sincerity lessens or invalidates the vast criticisms/complaints of the show's detractors.

However, I do find your insistence that those who weren't receptive to the show simply wouldn't let the piece "challenge your way of thinking" more than a bit condescending. I personally don't have any issue with that line of dialogue in particular, but perhaps some people simply felt the production was trite, manipulative and/or heavy-handed -- I don't think their opinions can be presumptiously explained away by saying they "wanted to show to affirm their way of thinking rather than being challenged."

"As for whether or not the standings Os are genuine, I know firsthand that so many people have been genuinely moved by this production. Don't presume to downplay or discredit that response as their merely honoring a Holocaust piece as if these people would cheer ANY Holocaust piece."

Yeah, once again, like I said, I believe the standing Os are genuine, and people are being genuinely moved by this show. However, let's not assume it's all of them -- I know all too well (and I'm sure you do) being "forced" to stand due to pressure of being the only one not standing. Also, I don't think they would cheer ANY Holocaust piece, but certainly anyone labeled "inspiring" or carrying a "message" like this one does. Seriously, some Holocaust dramas are great and some are awful, but every single one, I hear raves of "Excellent" from the same people. I believe people genuinely love this show, I just think they love it due to it being hammered into their head that this is a true/important/moving story, and they MUST be inspired by it.

So do you think the only reason I love this show and was very affected by it was because I was manipulated into it? Do you think my mind was too weak and caught up in the "true story" aspect of it that I couldn't separate my emotions from my critical analysis of the show?

You know I'm not trying to attack you, just trying to see if you think someone can like the show based on the merits of the play and acting.

---

i don't think anyone has any qualms with the incredible story and courage that is the life of irena.

but an incredible story is an incredible story, just as a poorly constructed play is still a poorly constructed play. if the lines that don't work in the play are actual quotes that's great to know. but if for some, they detract from the depth of the story and the experience of the play then i don't see how anyone can argue with an opinion.

disregarding a person's point-of-view as "wrong" and saying you "despise" someone for stating theirs gets into some very dangerous territory. seems like there was a movement about 70 years ago that horrifyingly dismissed people and their beliefs as wrong also. let's show a little respect.

p.s. before you fire off those angry responses, no i'm NOT comparing the holocaust to a silly message board. just making a point, that's all!!!