Friction isn't a bad thing

A tremendously insightful post by Scott Walters (a U. of NC theatre prof) over at Theatre is Territory yielded this quote:

"The art form is best served by being populated with thoughtful artists who have thought deeply and critically about their own work. What passes for “being supportive” – focusing on the vague and general positive and not speaking criticism – doesn’t allow artists to grow and deepen. Artistic creativity benefits from being burnished, polished to a luster through friction. Without it, the result is rust."

The post is all about theatrical artists being willing to engage in critical discourse-- being willing to have some sense of peer review of work for the rigor and growth of the artform.  Too often people do not speak their opinions about what works and what doesn't for fear of reprisals down the road.  Friction is not a bad thing if people know how to utilize it and get the work done. 

My opinionated nature has certainly led to some backlash-- even some excommunication--, but I don't regret it.  I feel that I work best with people willing to be challenged and willing to fight for their own perspectives.  It's in that space that we achieve something larger than ourselves. 

Anyway, the whole post is located HERE, for your own reading pleasure.