The Evils of Criticism: Hard Lessons from Broadway Play “Seminar”

One of the toughest aspects of being a writer is letting other people read their work. No matter how confident a person might be in their writing skill, hearing negative feedback is difficult at best, soul crushing at worst.

When an author submits their writing to someone for criticism (such as an editor or a writing teacher), it begins a tense relationship. No matter how well-intentioned and polite the critic tries to be, it often feels like a personal attack. It takes a lot for a writer to step back from their wounded pride to see the criticism in a more objective light.

And then there is the criticism that is delivered without any niceties or padding. While some of that feedback may be dead-on accurate, it can shut the author down from hearing the truth. Or, as the new Broadway show “Seminar” posits, this eviscerating feedback can push a writer into the next level of their craft.

I saw the second preview showing of “Seminar” on Friday night. The play is about four writers who sign up for a private writing seminar with a famous literary figure, played by Alan Rickman. From the very first session, Rickman’s character, Leonard, rips into the work of one of the aspiring authors. He is cruel and dismissive and goes so far as to shred the character of the writer herself, not just her work. What follows is how the ruthless instruction of Leonard plays out in the writing and careers of these young novelists.

The show is billed as a biting comedy, and that is absolutely true. What I didn’t expect was the depth of truth and raw emotion that smacked me in the face and brought me to tears more than once. I have always loved Alan Rickman as an actor, and he was a revelation here. I’ve always thought one of his greatest strengths is he manages to convey a core warmth no matter how debauched or reprehensible the character he plays. I think it makes even his meanest characters more compelling, relatable and memorable. This talent served him well in Seminar. The script by Theresa Rebeck was funny, brutal and surprising. I’ve read many things about the experience of being a writer, but I never had a piece hit home so squarely and somehow make what is a lonely process feel a little less so.

If you are a writer, published or not, Seminar is not to be missed. You may not agree with Leonard’s methods, but the goal was what any good editor or critic is trying to achieve when giving feedback. It is never fun to hear that your work isn’t perfect as written, but sometimes a little tough love can elevate your writing if you are open to hearing it.

 

PS If anyone has any theories on what the character Kate means when she declares that “writers are not human beings”, I’d love to hear them.