this weekend i will be judging the middle school one-act play contest. i will see 13 40-minute plays and then decide who should get awards. the competition aspect of this event is both good and bad. on the good side, competition puts something very tangible at stake for the performers, causing their energy to rise and unite, under ideal circumstances. on the bad side, it is absurd to compete with plays because doing theatre isn't a competitive sport. it's too subjective for that. kinda like the oscars. so much is ignored, so much is overplayed, in the end it's just a big mess of pretend.
but i'm doing it. i participated in these contests as a student and as a teacher, so i'm 'qualified' to judge. right now it seems ridiculous. but it will be fun when it happens. i'm reading the plays now, preparing to see them on friday and saturday.
there is an exhibit by czech theatre artist jaroslav malina at the mcnay museum. i will probably go today.
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