Farewell to a giant
-
- December
- 3
Jacques le Sourd, The Journal News’ man on the aisle for more than 30 years, was laid off yesterday, part of a cost-cutting plan.
I have been Jacques’ reader, his editor and his colleague. There is no one finer than he.
I learned so much from Jacques, about writing and about theatrical criticism. But more important, Jacques taught me how to represent the paper, to be generous with time and to listen thoughtfully.
I remember watching him run a roundtable discussion at Joe Allen before a long-ago theater season. He was deferential, hospitable and eager to include all in the discussion. He was—and is—a true gentleman.
While I didn’t always agree with his reviews, I read every one, even after I stopped being his editor. Nobody, I mean NOBODY, panned a show like Jacques le Sourd. When he praised a show, you knew they’d earned it.
When I edited Jacques, I’d wait till about 1 or 1:30 to call him. He knew I’d be calling, wondering where his review was. He’d answer the phone with a singsong “I’m writing, I’m writing.”
I hope he continues to write. His voice is too important not to be heard.
All the best, Monsieur le Sourd….
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on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 at 9:11 am by Peter D. Kramer.
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Peter D. Kramer
