I just read Natasha Chilingerian’s review of Lord Leebrick’s “Tempest” (“Shakespeare’s ‘Tempest’ proves intricate, hard to interpret,” ODE, Nov. 24) and was simply aghast. Did she really suggest that people shouldn’t see Shakespeare because it might be hard to interpret?
Also, she might want to look at how theater reviews are generally written, at least in all those “drama junkie” publications I read like The New York Times. It’s usually a good idea to note who directed the show, how long the show is running, all of the main actors and also to analyze why things happen, not just note that they might be confusing.
Leebrick’s “Tempest” was directed by University theater professor John Schmor, two years ago named the best director in Eugene by Eugene Weekly. It stars University art professor Leon Johnson as Prospero, one of Shakespeare’s most beloved characters. It runs through Dec. 11.
Furthermore, she might want to brush up on all that language that “might as well be German” if she plans to write more theater reviews. Shakespeare is, and will probably always be, the single most produced playwright in the entire history of the world — and, I think most people will agree, a pretty damn good writer.
Greg Heaton

Theater Arts