7 Performing Arts Criticism Books That Shape Expert Perspectives

Emily Nussbaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning critic for The New Yorker, challenges traditional hierarchies in television criticism by arguing that what we watch deeply shapes who we are. You’ll explore her nuanced takes on shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, profiles of influential showrunners, and essays addressing complex topics such as sexual violence in TV and the cultural impact of reality television. The book delves into how fans transform shows and questions the artist-viewer relationship amid movements like #MeToo. If you want to rethink the standards of television artistry and understand the evolving TV landscape, this collection offers sharp insights grounded in longtime cultural observation.

The Press Gang captures a vibrant era of film criticism through the eyes of three distinct voices—Godfrey Cheshire, Matt Zoller Seitz, and Armond White—whose columns in the New York Press explored cinema’s legacy and its evolving landscape. You’ll find essays that challenge popular narratives about filmmakers like Kubrick and Hitchcock, alongside reflections on New York’s repertory scene and global cinema movements from Iran to Taiwan. The book thrives on the dynamic critical conversation among its authors, offering you thoughtful perspectives that go beyond typical reviews to engage deeply with film culture and history. If you’re passionate about cinema’s artistic and cultural dimensions, this collection will expand your understanding and appreciation.

This tailored book explores the art and craft of performing arts criticism, focusing on your unique background and goals. It reveals how to analyze theater, film, and live performances with depth and nuance, combining historical context with contemporary perspectives. Through a personalized approach, it guides you in developing your critical voice, understanding different artistic expressions, and interpreting cultural significance. This book covers essential techniques and thoughtful reflection, matching your interests and skill level to provide a meaningful learning journey.

Drawing from his deep engagement with contemporary art and criticism, Jarrett Earnest presents an extensive collection of interviews that reveal the evolving role of art critics from the 1960s onward. You gain insight into diverse critical voices including poets, historians, and novelists, learning how they approach interpreting and writing about art, as seen in discussions with figures like Rosalind Krauss and Dave Hickey. The book explores the interplay between personal experience and public discourse, offering vivid examples such as John Ashbery’s youthful encounter with Rimbaud’s poetry and Eileen Myles’ provocative review sparking activism. If you’re invested in understanding how art criticism shapes cultural conversations, this nuanced oral history will broaden your perspective.

Unlike most books on criticism that emphasize confrontation, Dr. John L. Lund explores how to navigate giving and receiving feedback with empathy and clarity. You’ll gain insights into managing difficult conversations and maintaining relationships while addressing sensitive issues, with practical techniques for framing criticism constructively. This book is especially useful if you’re involved in the performing arts or any field where critique is constant yet delicate, helping you balance honesty and tact. For example, Lund outlines approaches that minimize defensiveness, supporting ongoing dialogue rather than shutdowns.

A. O. Scott challenges the conventional wisdom that criticism is merely negative or nitpicky by revealing its vital role in shaping our understanding of art and culture. Drawing from his extensive experience as a New York Times film critic, Scott takes you through a thoughtful exploration of how to appreciate and evaluate artistic works, from movies to poetry, teaching you to balance reason with passion. You gain insights into the creative process and the value of critical thinking in everyday life, with examples ranging from blockbuster films to classical literature. This book suits anyone eager to deepen their appreciation of art and develop sharper, more nuanced analytical skills.

This personalized book offers a dedicated 30-day journey designed to elevate your performing arts criticism skills through daily, focused exercises. It explores the core elements of critique, examining theatrical and cinematic techniques, narrative structures, and cultural contexts in a way that matches your background and goals. By providing tailored guidance, it reveals how to articulate insightful assessments with confidence and clarity. The book delves into common critical approaches, emphasizing observation, interpretation, and effective communication. Each day builds on the last, creating a progressive learning experience that bridges expert knowledge with your personal interests and pace, ensuring you develop a nuanced, informed voice in the performing arts sphere.

What if everything you knew about online art criticism was incomplete? Charlotte Frost, drawing on her extensive background in art history, contemporary and digital arts, traces the evolution of art criticism as it migrated from early digital bulletin boards to today's social media platforms. You’ll gain insights into how internet culture reshaped critical practices, with detailed case studies on listservs and blogs revealing shifts in tone, style, and engagement. This book suits anyone curious about the intersection of art and digital culture, especially those wanting to understand how art criticism adapts in a rapidly changing online landscape.

What happens when a modernist novelist dives deep into theater? Robert Musil, better known for The Man Without Qualities, explores drama not just as entertainment but as a social and cultural force. His plays and critical essays from the 1920s dissect the crisis of theater amid rising commodification and cultural conformism, offering insights into how art can provoke a deeper, "motivated" existence beyond consumer-driven passivity. You’ll gain a nuanced understanding of theater’s psychological and ritualistic dimensions, as well as its potential for social critique—especially through Musil’s analyses of Stanislavski, Expressionism, and cabaret. This book suits anyone interested in theater’s intersection with societal change and aesthetic philosophy.