Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Yankeefan007
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
#1Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/2/07 at 4:28pm
http://select.nytimes.com/preview/2007/02/04/theater/1154663366219.html?8tpf=&adxnnl=1&emc=tpf&adxnnlx=1170451273-Xltd17K1xJekB4ZUIHpjYw
An interesting and thought-provoking read with very valid points.
How long before he becomes head critic of the Times?
Updated On: 2/4/07 at 04:28 PM
loverly
Understudy Joined: 8/6/06
gumbo2
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/21/05
#2re: Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/2/07 at 4:49pmAny way you can post all or some of it here? I'm not a member of the site.
#3re: Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/4/07 at 2:27am
‘Utopia’ Is a Bore. There, I Said It.
By CHARLES ISHERWOOD
THE question was straightforward, but it was voiced in a tone fraught with frustration, even desperation. It sounded more like a cry for help: “Are you understanding it?”
It emerged from a woman in her 60s, or perhaps a little older, who was slowly making her way across the Lincoln Center plaza, leaning heavily on a walker, as evening fell after a matinee performance of the second installment of Tom Stoppard’s “Coast of Utopia” at the Vivian Beaumont Theater.
She called it out, apparently to me and my companion as we moved past her, but perhaps more generally to the world at large. With a friendly laugh I allowed that I thought I was getting most of it. This seemed only to darken her mood.
Clearly Mr. Stoppard’s expansive panorama of 19th-century Russian philosophy and history has left at least one customer unsatisfied, or at least bewildered. This might come as a surprise if you’ve read the almost unalloyed praise that has been heaped upon this ambitious three-part opus, which has become a sort of cultural juggernaut and the season’s indispensable ticket for those who consider themselves serious theatergoers. But if that bewildered woman had asked me one or two corollary questions, namely “Are you enjoying it?” or “Do you think it’s a great play?,” my answers would have been “not so much” and “no.”
Coming from someone who earns his living writing about theater, this may sound like madness, heresy or facile provocation. Even nonprofessional critics — which is to say any member of the audience — may hesitate to register a negative opinion about a play so widely regarded as evincing all the virtues serious theatergoers look for: intelligence, eloquence, sophistication, ambition and, of course, a good dose of medicinal seriousness alongside a balm of wit. Mr. Stoppard’s plays have long been celebrated for all of these qualities, and rightly so.
Some may fear, as my new acquaintance from the plaza did, that to admit dissatisfaction or outright dislike is to advertise one’s intellectual obtuseness or philistinism. The coercive reasoning goes something like this: Everyone says it’s brilliant; I am bored; therefore I am not smart enough to appreciate its brilliance. The play isn’t a failure: I am. I am rushing home to read Isaiah Berlin’s “Russian Thinkers” right now. I mean reread it.
But I would argue that Mr. Stoppard’s brilliance, while on obvious display in this densely woven portrait of the growing pains of the Russian intelligentsia, is in this instance simply not serving the playwright’s ostensible goal of creating a satisfactory work of dramatic art.
In my view much of “The Coast of Utopia” consists of great chunks of erudition and history untransformed by the playwright’s imagination and craft into a compelling play. Checking my notes after a dispiriting afternoon at Part 1, “Voyage,” I came across the scribbled phrase: “CliffsNotes,” followed by an exasperated exclamation point, or maybe two. (Later a fellow critic used the same words to describe the play.) That impulsive reaction, glib though it may seem, has stuck with me since, even as the second act of Part 2, “Shipwreck,” finally began to display some of the hallmarks of real drama: the artful exploration of fully felt human experience.
Obviously plenty of theatergoers are finding much to enjoy in “The Coast of Utopia,” and in a generally vacuous Broadway environment it may seem churlish to complain that a play is too darn edifying for its own good. The Lincoln Center Theater production is far livelier and more inventively staged than the play’s stodgy world premiere in 2002 at London’s National Theater, where it was directed by Trevor Nunn as a series of talking tableaux vivants set against a backdrop of digital video projections. The director of the Broadway staging, Jack O’Brien, could probably bring sweep and vitality to a staged reading of The Congressional Record. Here he displays a canny sense of how to animate Mr. Stoppard’s dense streams of conversation with action, color, humor and warmth.
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"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
Updated On: 2/4/07 at 02:27 AM
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
#4re: Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/4/07 at 11:29amYankee, I agree with you - it's only a matter of time before Isherwood is Chief Critic. And Brantley becomes... well, who cares what he does after he's deposed?
Cheyenne Jackson tickled me. AFTER ordering SoMMS a drink but NOT tickling him, and hanging out with Girly in his dressing room (where he DIDN'T tickle her) but BEFORE we got married. To others. And then he tweeted Boobs. He also tweeted he's good friends with some chick on "The Voice" who just happens to be good friends with Tink's ex. And I'm still married. Oh, and this just in: "Pettiness, spite, malice ....Such ugly emotions... So sad." - After Eight, talking about MEEEEEEEE!!! I'm so honored! :-)
ThankstoPhantom
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/05
#6re: Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/4/07 at 11:33amHe can't become head citric soon enough.
How to properly use its/it's:
Its is the possessive. It's is the contraction for it is...
Smaxie
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/26/05
#7re: Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/4/07 at 11:40amI admire the clean, lucid quality of Isherwood's writing, but before singing hosannas for him to take over as lead critic of the Times, consider the fact that he's even more critical of theatre in general than Brantley, particularly the mainstream shows that are the bread and butter of the industry. It would be a bit worrisome to have him as the Times' chief voice on theatre.
Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.
#8re: Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/4/07 at 11:42am
It seems through this article he is only showing his large amount of stupidity at not being able to comprhend such a cathardic and all-encompasing show. Of course people who know nothing about Romantacism, the Decemberists, and Hegel aren't going to enjoy it as much! I admire Isherwood for publically stepping out and admitting he is a total moron when it comes to matters of philisophical history. And comparing himself to a 60 year old woman. If he actually did read "Russian Thinkers" as he alludes to in the article, he should have at least a minor understanding of the action, if not, he is, as I just stated, a total moron.
My .02 cents
"Are you sorry for civilization? I am sorry for it too." ~Coast of Utopia: Shipwreck
Smaxie
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/26/05
#9re: Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/4/07 at 11:46amIsherwood is very well read, and I don't think he is saying in the story that he doesn't understand Utopia. I think he's saying he finds it inert, except for Act Two of Shipwreck.
Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.
ThankstoPhantom
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/05
#10re: Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/4/07 at 11:48am
I think you made his point, Katurian.
The coercive reasoning goes something like this: Everyone says it’s brilliant; I am bored; therefore I am not smart enough to appreciate its brilliance. The play isn’t a failure: I am. I am rushing home to read Isaiah Berlin’s “Russian Thinkers” right now. I mean reread it.
How to properly use its/it's:
Its is the possessive. It's is the contraction for it is...
Updated On: 2/4/07 at 11:48 AM
#11re: Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/4/07 at 11:52am
Smaxie, I agree with you that Isherwood might not be the best choice, but I do think it is only a matter of time before he becomes Chief Critic. I don't particularly care for Brantley - especially his practice of re-reviewing other productions during the course of a review - and it is just about time for a shake up at The Times.
I always liked Bruce Weber, and I'm sorry they gave him short shrift.
Cheyenne Jackson tickled me. AFTER ordering SoMMS a drink but NOT tickling him, and hanging out with Girly in his dressing room (where he DIDN'T tickle her) but BEFORE we got married. To others. And then he tweeted Boobs. He also tweeted he's good friends with some chick on "The Voice" who just happens to be good friends with Tink's ex. And I'm still married. Oh, and this just in: "Pettiness, spite, malice ....Such ugly emotions... So sad." - After Eight, talking about MEEEEEEEE!!! I'm so honored! :-)
#12re: Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/4/07 at 11:52am
Well, I think that the title of the article made a different point altogether. And I find it disconcerting that the man who may soon be the head critic of the Times does not understand such a masterpiece of a play.
Personally, I love Brantley, and will be sad to see him go.
"Are you sorry for civilization? I am sorry for it too." ~Coast of Utopia: Shipwreck
Updated On: 2/4/07 at 11:52 AM
Smaxie
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/26/05
#13re: Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/4/07 at 11:53amHe's talking about the mindset of general audiences, like the woman in her 60s who asked him if he was understanding it, not himself.
Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.
#14re: Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/4/07 at 11:55am
And I think it was a brilliant move on his part to admit it.
I haven't seen COAST OF UTOPIA yet so I can't comment on that. I'm going to one of the marathons in March, and I'm looking forward to it with mixed feelings of excitement and apprehension. Will I understand it? Will I get it? Will I be completely lost? I don't know, but I can't wait to find out.
Cheyenne Jackson tickled me. AFTER ordering SoMMS a drink but NOT tickling him, and hanging out with Girly in his dressing room (where he DIDN'T tickle her) but BEFORE we got married. To others. And then he tweeted Boobs. He also tweeted he's good friends with some chick on "The Voice" who just happens to be good friends with Tink's ex. And I'm still married. Oh, and this just in: "Pettiness, spite, malice ....Such ugly emotions... So sad." - After Eight, talking about MEEEEEEEE!!! I'm so honored! :-)
#15re: Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/4/07 at 12:11pmSmaxie, you may have a point, but the fact of the matter is, Isherwood knows of what he speaks. I'd much rather someone with knowledge and experience of theater is writing the New York Times main reviews than what they have now.
Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson
myManCape
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/26/05
#16re: Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/4/07 at 12:20pm
He's talking about the mindset of general audiences, like the woman in her 60s who asked him if he was understanding it, not himself.
I always got the feeling that Isherwood wrote more in the mindset of the common folk. He seems to write what most people are thinking.
Brantley on the other hand is very rigid in his reviews and its almost as if he prejudges shows before seeing them.
"Have they come yet?"
#17re: Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/4/07 at 12:24pmWow- I really disagree with that. Isherwood writes for the low-budget, low-hype shows that no one really cares about in the long run. Sad, but true. Now I hate a Broadway overrun with tourists as much as the next theatre lover, but it is rare that you see Isherwood praise a big venture on Broadway.
"Are you sorry for civilization? I am sorry for it too." ~Coast of Utopia: Shipwreck
#18re: Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/4/07 at 12:29pm
i always found Isherwood to be the scapegoat they threw in when Brantley out & out refused to go to something.
but hey...that's just me. i could care less whether he didn't like Utopia or not as now i feel vindicated that i didn't waste $300 on a long play about a country i've never been to. whoo whoo!
myManCape
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/26/05
#19re: Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/4/07 at 12:32pmThats because those are the shows hes assigned to. Brantley gets the big fancy broadway shows and notable off broadway ones and Isherwood gets the low budget off broadway shows and the occasional broadway show that no one cares about (Translations, Heartbreak House) I think if he becomes head critic you will see him embrace the biggers shows.
"Have they come yet?"
iluvtheatertrash
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/9/04
#20re: Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/4/07 at 12:35pm
I would love to see Isherwood take Brantley's position.
I couldn't agree with him more about the feeling of stupidity. Am I dumb or just plain not intellectual enough because I found myself so bored I dozed off for a moment? I can appreciate O'Brien's beautiful staging. I can appreciate the idea and spectacle behind the trilogy. But because while watching it, why do I feel just plain stupid? Especially when over a dinner conversation about the play, I can only state, simply, "I was bored."
"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman
#21re: Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/4/07 at 12:38pm
I can only hope that's true. And folkyboy, I have plenty of well-educated friends who immensely enjoyed "Coast of Utopia", even having never stepped foot out of North America. I probably did garner some extra love for it having actually been to many of the loacations in the show, and having studied the culture for three years in school, but the play is not basely about Russia. That's where Isherwood is so wrong! The plays are about the fate of the individual, the nature of revolution, the impact of the the seperate man or woman on history and the fleeting nature of a moment. You don't have to be an intellectual to like "Utopia". Though, it does help to know a bit about the subject matter. 
"Are you sorry for civilization? I am sorry for it too." ~Coast of Utopia: Shipwreck
#22re: Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/4/07 at 12:43pm
oh well it's probably the only thing on Broadway i WON'T have seen this season but only because i knew there'd be no discount tickets and i'd have had to have paid for all three or shot myself for missing out.
the fact that they started talking about "you can go home and read about what you just saw..." in the selling points of it prior to it being out is what opted for me to save my $300
Yankeefan007
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
#23re: Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/4/07 at 12:52pm
I'll say this.
I have no idea about Russian history, I could care less about Russian history. I had no idea who half the people depicted in the show were, the names Bakunin and Hertzen and Turgenev were and still are just names. I have no interest in reading about them, I have no interest in reading their work, etc. It's just not in my realm of caring.
That said, I enjoyed the first 2 parts immensly. I didn't think of the show as a history lesson. It was a bunch of great actors on stage reciting brilliantly written monologues and diatribes. It was beautifully staged. I can understand where and how people got bored, especially in the scenes with extraneous characters and nothing in particular happening.
If you look at it from the theatrical instead of intellectual, you enjoy it a lot more.
Smaxie
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/26/05
#24re: Why Isherwood Hates Utopia
Posted: 2/4/07 at 1:05pm
>Isherwood gets the low budget off broadway shows and the occasional broadway show that no one cares about (Translations, Heartbreak House)<
A typical BroadwayWorld statement, where the straight play counts for nothing.
Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.
