Newspaper criticism of theatrical performances will soon become impossible, except under conditions which make public comments in them valueless. The example of sueing newspapers by theatrical managers for unfavorable notices was set some time ago in Melbourne, and now it has been followed in New Zealand. Some time ago the "Tribune," an evening journal in Wellington, passed an unfavorable criticism upon the performances of the Steele-Keogh company. The language used was certainly somewhat strong, but it has not been denied that to a very large extent it was justified. A particular performance was stigmatised as improper, and the performers were accused of incompetency. For this the two managers brought an action against the proprietor of the paper, and, as our telegrams inform us, they have secured damages in each case. The ,£4O damages awarded, of course, does not represent probably a tenth part of the cost of an indiscreet, but probably conscientious, theatrical paragraph. For the future no doubt public performers will expect nothing bat fullsome adulation — of which there is already far too much .in the newspapers — and the public will have to depend on their own resources as to whether a particular performance is or is not worth attending. Perhaps the wisest plan to adopt would be to abstain from theatrical criticisms altogether, and let the managers trumpet their own fame after the manner of the Quacks with regard to their nostrums.
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/GRA18741016.2.8
Bibliographic details
Grey River Argus, Volume XV, Issue 1933, 16 October 1874, Page 2
Word Count
234Untitled Grey River Argus, Volume XV, Issue 1933, 16 October 1874, Page 2
Using This Item
No known copyright (New Zealand)
To the best of the National Library of New Zealand’s knowledge, under New Zealand law, there is no copyright in this item in New Zealand.
You can copy this item, share it, and post it on a blog or website. It can be modified, remixed and built upon. It can be used commercially. If reproducing this item, it is helpful to include the source.
For further information please refer to the Copyright guide.