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At
a time when newspapers and magazines are reducing the space devoted to
critical writing, Alison Croggon is one of a small number of
commentators who has adapted to the new opportunities of online
criticism, while maintaining a presence in a mainstream newspaper. Her
writing is passionate and clear, and informed by a long-time devotion to
theatre, as well as other forms of writing. She can criticise, without
patronising, understanding that a critic must back up opinion with
analysis. Her breadth of experience is impressive, as is the generosity
of spirit evident in much of her writing. Croggon’s newspaper
criticism is precise and efficient, using the limited space to be
informative but still entertaining. You understand why she has made her
judgements, but she also allows the reader sufficient room to make up
her or his own mind about a work. Her online blogging and reviewing is
more expansive, but keeps a theoretical and analytical rigour often
missing from online writing. Croggon has embraced the benefits of the
online medium, conscientiously responding to the often-divergent
comments made on her blog and encouraging debate. In this way she has
acknowledged the changing nature of the contemporary critic, a role that
is shifting away from the assertion of opinion to a mute audience, and
towards the curation of a public conversation. 2009
JUDGING PANEL Kate
Eltham Robert
Forster Leo
Schofield Rosemary
Sorensen Adrian
Read (convenor) |
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