‘Verdict’ Critic’s Negativity Absurd

In response to Robert Koehler’s review of Golden West College’s production of “Verdict” (“Golden West Finishes Off a Sickly ‘Verdict’,” Calendar July 1), I have a few comments on the role of the critic.

Throughout the history of art, the artist and critic have had a complex relationship. While the artist struggles to create, to build something from nothing, the critic stands back and judges the creation, dismantling it piece by piece.

In a sense, it could be said that the critic is a parasite of the artist, for while the critic cannot survive without the artist--without the art there is no critique--the artist can survive very well, and in fact flourish without the critic.

Perhaps the best critics realize this simple fact, and so while they dismantle the art to be judged, they also hold a supportive hand under its base lest the artwork collapse, completely burying the critic and the artist underneath.

In Koehler’s review, he irresponsibly or naively fails to hold out that supportive hand. He goes on the attack, poking here and jabbing there with his pen until the artist is bloody and momentarily doubts his own creation.

This is not the role of the true critic. The true critic offers criticism but also balance, suggestion, encouragement. Koehler successfully completed only one-quarter of his assignment in this review, viciously pulling apart, “criticizing” without nurturing the artwork and helping it to grow and improve.

The negativity in Koehler’s review was overwhelming to the point of absurdity. Nothing in this world is perfect but nothing is so god-awful as to warrant this kind of attack.

The artists connected with this play will continue to build and create long after this review is forgotten, while critics such as Koehler will continue to tear down and destroy.

We’ll see who leaves the most lasting impression.

LAURA MITCHELL

Costa Mesa

Laura Mitchell played the role of Lisa Koletzky in “Verdict.”