The Clinch and the Crack: Rupture and Resolution in Third Theatre’s Laboratory Practices
Naphtaly Shem-Tov
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The article is interesting and well written but has two major issues that must be addressed before it can be published.
1. The authors never define what Third Theatre is, other than citing that Barba coined the term in an endnote. As a theatre person, I know what it is, but this is a journal across the arts, with numerous readers from all disciplines. In the first few paragraphs we need a more specific definition of Third Theatre and, by extension a brief discussion as to why the pandemic would have affected practitioners more than in other theatres.
2. Kinsugi is a specifically Japanese cultural practice that means in a very culturally specific manner in Japan. The authors have plucked this process out of context and use it as a metaphor for how we might understand post-pandemic Third Theatre laboratory practice and community. At the very least, the article should acknowledge it is using a Japanese practice out of context and not within its fully cultural meaning. The use of it as metaphor is understandable, but without acknowledging the larger (unused) aspects of the practice, the use here begins to feel like cultural appropriation. Thus lines 49-70 need to be expanded to include this aspect.
Author Response
Many thanks for foregrounding these issues. We have added two short paragraphs that address the points you are raised and hope that this resolves your concerns.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
I do not have any comments.
The topic is original and relevant in the field. It addresses a specific gap in the field. The conclusions are consistent with the evidence and arguments presented and address the main question posed. The references are also appropriate.
Author Response
Please find attached a revised version of the manuscript that has addressed two points required by a reviewer. many thanks for your attention.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
