I am unapologetically friends with artists
I am unapologetically friends with artists
“The Real Ones” by Waleed Akhtar at Bush Theatre. A beautiful play about queer friendship. Photo Credit: Helen Murray
A few nights ago, at yet another press night (yes, I practically live at press nights these days), I found myself stuck in one of those inescapable conversations. You know the kind, crowded foyer, overly bright smiles, glasses of warm white wine, and then a critic or reviewer inevitably launches into the dreaded topic of star ratings and judgmental comments. I usually do my utmost to avoid these exchanges with reviewers or critics. It's not out of snobbery; rather, it's because I don’t see myself affiliated with that mindset at all, I simply don’t rate art in stars, and conversations built around metrics and judgmental comments often leave me feeling alienated and disheartened.
This particular evening, though, I was cornered by someone from quite a popular media outlet (and don't even try DMing me asking who,come on, don’t be ridiculous!), and as I chatted enthusiastically about a wonderful cast member who happened to be a dear friend, I was met with an unexpected and rather jarring response: “Ah, you shouldn’t be friends with the artists! It's tricky.” I was genuinely stunned, almost traumatised. As I made my way through the crowd to leave, I understood why that comment hit me so hard.
For me, theatre is friendship. It always has been. The community I’ve built here in London is entirely grounded in theatre and dance. My closest friends are playwrights, performers, directors, choreographers, stage managers…artists in every sense of the word, but also other theatre lovers I've met simply by chatting with whoever's sitting next to me in the stalls, like Annette (I know you're reading this, my love!), or Sylvia (hey, love!), who first approached to tell me how much they appreciate this page. I'm incredibly grateful whenever any of you say hi, those brief encounters have blossomed into wonderful friendships and shared theatre adventures.
Friendship with artists doesn’t cloud my perspective, I take no pleasure in judgment; instead, I aspire to elevate and deeply enrich my understanding of their work, their struggles, and their humanity. Being close to the creative heartbeat of the industry helps me create content that resonates deeply, not just with the artists themselves, but with you, my community.
When I first started this platform, my goal wasn't (and never will be) to diminish artists or feed a machine that crushes creativity when it doesn't serve existing power structures. Too often, some critics silence genuine creativity, only to praise empty work that caters to those who already hold power in the industry. Here, friendship within elite circles isn’t merely ambition; it becomes the critic’s fetish.
I'm here because I want to celebrate theatre in all its forms, driven by profound gratitude for those who pour their hearts onto stages night after night, and to challenge those who use this art form merely to amplify their egos and unchecked privilege.
My friendships with artists have become almost a heartfelt creative practice of its own, shaping and inspiring my work in ways I could never have anticipated. I'm endlessly grateful for these connections; they inspire me to approach every piece of content with warmth, openness, and appreciation, enabling me to share something truly meaningful with all of you following my page.
In today’s digital landscape, which seems to grow harsher and scarier every day, this personal and heartfelt approach feels even more urgent. We exist in online spaces governed by platforms owned by billionaires with agendas that don’t always align with the artistic voices we cherish, voices frequently silenced by algorithms shaped to suppress rather than uplift.
Be wary of theatre content shaped by ego or arrogance, harsh without purpose and lacking genuine affection, empathy, or love for the art form. This kind of criticism becomes noise rather than dialogue and risks undermining theatre’s true heart and transformative power.
And yet, even in the shadow of these power dynamics, friendship remains a radical act of rebellion and love. My friendships with theatre artists ground my work in compassion, curiosity, and mutual respect. They make it possible for my content not just to inform, but hopefully to soothe, inspire, and gently invite you to step into a theatre, witness something beautiful unfold live, and maybe even befriend an artist yourself.
So let me be clear: I am unapologetically friends with artists. And each day, I'm honoured and humbled by the privilege to amplify their voices and celebrate their courage. Theatre is friendship. Friendship is art. And that, more than any star rating, is the essence of what makes the arts so powerfully human.
Giuliano xx
