THEATRE REVIEW TEMPLATE
The Basic Model for Writing a Review is as follows:
1. INTRODUCTION
In the introduction we focus on establishing what the play and the focus of the review is
about. Key elements to be included here include:
Factual information first - a brief biography of the playwright, the setting and story of the
play, the main characters, the history of the play if it is a piece of classical theatre, major
past interpreters of leading roles. BE INFORMED!!!
Theme and Topic next – before launching into a discussion of the theme of the play, and
the main topic or argument that we as writers and critics wish to pursue, we need to lead up
to it by drawing the reader in to read our premise, line of argument, or topic.
Finding Your Connection.
The main topic or argument can be based on any strong intuition or gut feeling we have
about the play. Or a conceptual understanding of some element of the play that piques our
interest, or a strong emotional connection with a character/characters, or a situation. Or a
decision that must be made…
Whatever type of connection we make, our review will be more successful and less effort if
we can find a genuine point of entry into the play. Even if it’s a negative review, we still need
a point-of-attack, so pay attention to your strongest feeling about the play. It is a work of art
after all, so should your review be negative, find the point of entry where you feel strongest
about the play. Of course, as a work of art, hopefully it will resist the simplest of
interpretations and have some redeeming features that would make
reading/watching/performing it worthwhile.
We need to get our critical concepts and language fresh in our minds when evaluating any
play, and be especially aware of any core philosophy that the Director, Writer, or Theatre
Group espouse e.g. Theatre De Complicitie, Wooster Group.
2. THE MIDDLE – DEVELOPING YOUR ARGUMENT
In the next stage, the thesis or argument you wish to make concerning the play is developed
step-by-step. It is VITAL at this stage to justify your points by gathering supporting evidence
from the text itself. Say your interest is piqued by “FARM Show’s” unusual production
methods, where the actors were immersed in rural farming culture before improvising the
script. Or by the play’s unusual episodic structure, or vivid characterization.
Whichever theme/topic you select, justify it by developing the argument point by point,
illustrating it with relevant and clear examples throughout the timeline of the play. The format
at this point can be open, but remember that you are evaluating the play itself, so a pros and
cons discussion (evaluative) would be one clear way to proceed. In other words, don’t just
state your premise and justify it by looking for confirming instances…challenge your
theme/topic, and test it!
CONCLUSION
“A good conclusion should be the resounding extension of your argument. It can simply
summarize the text above it, or it can look forward to the future development of the art in
question and state the implications of the work under consideration.” “Arts Reviews” by
Celia Brayfield, Kamera Books 2008.
Your conclusion should logically follow from your premise i.e. topic, theme or argument.
If your conclusion seems unearned i.e. unjustified, your review will be compromised. Making
an effort to extend your argument into a consideration of what this play has to say about
contemporary life and theatre is a sure-fire way of attracting positive interest and providing
constructive criticism, and constructive criticism is one of the ways we too learn best.