JERUSALEM — Page 3

I did not address you directly. How is that disingenuous? It sounds a little paranoid. I'm sorry if your seeing it that way bothers you. But I'm okay with you making the inference. That's your issue to own, not mine.

Also, I did not "demand" discussion. I *suggested* it's a more useful route than setting up combative dichotomies.

Also, I followed the first thread the entire time it was around. And despite your bemoaning the existence of this thread, you've certainly shown no qualms about contributing to it, even when not directly addressed.

The notion of "insecurity" comes from what I described as (what I've perceived to be) the accusatory anger and paranoia in the tone of some responses, yours included, referring to the play as a "snob" hit and using conspiratorial language like "cachet" to describe critical consensus. Maybe you disagree with me, and that's fine. I have no problem admitting that's only my perception.

And finally, I don't understand what my not having seen the show has to do with offering my opinions on people's reactions to it. I've made no judgments about the play itself. I've simply comparing responses to it to responses other shows receive. I've noticed a marked difference, and I've talked about that. That's all.

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I saw the matinee today and I really don't know what to make of it. I've spoken to a number of people who told me they were bored to death during it and two friends who left at intermission so I didn't know what to expect. I can tell you that I wasn't once bored with what was on stage which in retrospect is very odd because I have no idea what it was that I was watching. I can't tell you what this play was about, at least not right now. I don't think there was an actual plot, but maybe I'm wrong. I really expected a "snob" show that hammered some message into you for three hours until you thought you'd seem something brilliant but that's not what this was for me. I don't really even know if there was a "message" or a "point" to it, which I really enjoyed. Some of it even bordered on theater of the absurd in a way.

As for Rylance, I've found him to be the most overhyped and overpraised actor alive these past few years, even though I enjoy him but I do think he deserves a fair amount of the praise he's getting for this. It's not the greatest performance ever put on a stage like the quotes outside the theater suggest but it's definitely one of the strongest of this season and damnit, I couldn't tell you why. lol

I need to sit in a room alone for a few hours and just think about it.

Also, does anyone know the name of the song that played at the end? I thought it was really beautiful.

Thanks! I'm going to zamzar...I mean get it on iTunes right now...

"but it's definitely one of the strongest of this season and damnit, I couldn't tell you why."

I think they have a new pull quote.

Thank you! I was trying to come up with that word, gutsy. Its exactly how I'd describe it, too.

I'm not a snob and thoroughly enjoyed all three hours. It's not an easy piece, but that doesn't automatically mean anyone who likes it or sees something in it is a snob.

While it isn't the kind of play that makes things easy on the audience, I don't think it's only for "snobs". I like when I see a play that challenges me. But I was also very entertained and found it very funny.

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It's easier to say something you didn't like or understand is for snobs than to say you didnt get it or even that you plain just didn't enjoy it.

"It's easier to say something you didn't like or understand is for snobs than to say you didnt get it or even that you plain just didn't enjoy it."

Absolutely. I'm always wary of people who define their reactions to art more so in terms of other people's reactions than the specifics of the piece itself.

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Yes, I know.

However people here who don't like something like this will proclaim anyone who did enjoy it is, in fact, a snob.

Jordan:

I haven't found that to be the case, but I haven't read every post relative to snob hits.