Dramaturgy & Dramatic Criticism: “Think Like a Critic”

<p>Critics can get a bad rap amongst artists. But imagine having a critic with savvy research skills and extensive knowledge of theater history at your side throughout production to help make your show the best it can be.</p><p>Learn how Oscar-winning actor Frances McDormand, HBO showrunner Rolin Jones, and Bad Robot Productions executive Rachel Rusch Rich have each been influenced by dramaturgs, and how dramaturgs’ keen analytical abilities sometimes lead to incredible discoveries...</p><p>***</p><p>This episode features Marcus Gardley (‘04, Faculty), Eric Glover (Faculty), Rolin Jones (‘04), James Magruder (&#39;88, D.F.A. &#39;92), Thando Mangcu (‘27), Nia Robinson (‘27), Rachel Rusch Rich (‘05, D.F.A. ‘08), and Catherine Sheehy (&#39;92, D.F.A. &#39;99).</p><p>***</p><p>Oh, the Drama! is written, produced, and edited by Zachary Goldberg and Isabel Robertson.</p><p>Executive producers are Jill BC Du Boff and James Bundy.</p><p>Episode art by Kiki Gordon (‘26).</p><p>Original music by James Harrison Monaco.</p><p>Additional music from Uppbeat.</p><p>***</p><p>Clip used from the Columbia Masterworks recording of Samuel Beckett’s <em>Waiting for Godot</em> (1957), directed by Herbert Berghof.</p><p>Recordings: Paul Walsh at the meet and greet for Yale Repertory Theatre’s production of<a href="https://yalerep.org/about/press/press-room-hedda-gabler/"> <u>⁠</u><em>Hedda Gabler</em><u>⁠</u></a> (2026) directed by James Bundy; and backstage of <em>⁠</em><a href="https://dgsd-tickets.yale.edu/26917/26980"><em>King Lear (La Noche Llegará)</em></a><em>⁠</em>, a Shakespeare Repertory Project production adapted by Héctor Flores Komatsu and Thando Mangcu and directed by Héctor Flores Komatsu.</p><p>Other shows referenced include the Yale Repertory Theatre production of Zora Neale Hurston’s ⁠<a href="https://yalerep.org/productions/spunk/"><em>Spunk</em></a>⁠ (2025), the 2024 David Geffen School of Drama production of Jordan Cooper’s play <a href="https://yaledailynews.com/articles/aint-no-mo-arrives-at-yale-a-bold-satire-on-black-identity-in-america"><em>Ain’t No Mo</em></a> directed by Kemar Jewel (‘25), and Berkeley Rep’s production of <a href="https://playbill.com/article/oscar-and-tony-winner-will-take-on-lady-macbeth-in-berkeley-rep-season-com-352945"><em>Macbeth</em></a> (2016) directed by Daniel Sullivan.</p>