Vinson Cunningham, a staff writer for The New Yorker and author of 'Great Expectations', discusses the joy of paying attention, Jeremy O. Harris' plays, black art and literary movements, Tracy Morgan's comedy, and Redd Foxx's impact in an engaging podcast conversation.
Paying intense attention to a singular focus can provide relief from anxious thoughts.
Transitioning from speech writing to theater criticism requires adapting writing styles to diverse contexts.
Balancing personal interest with professional rigor is crucial in creating compelling narratives.
Deep dives
Exploring the Self-Discovery Journey of Empowered Women Runners
The podcast delves into Abby Ayres' experience of self-discovery in the docu-series Running Sucks as she meets empowered women runners to understand their motivations, fuels their drive, and explores what propels them to go the distance. Through these encounters, Abby also discovers her potential as a distance runner.
Insight into Vincent Cunningham's Diverse Career Path
Vincent Cunningham shares his journey from working at the Obama White House to becoming a theater critic at The New Yorker. He recounts his unexpected transition from college to a presidential campaign role, highlighting his mixed career experiences before embarking on his path in writing and theater critique.
Navigating the Art of Speech Writing and Criticism
Vincent Cunningham sheds light on his experiences in speech writing roles, including at the New York City Housing Authority, where he learned the intricacies of crafting speeches that address urgent issues such as post-Hurricane Sandy recovery. He discusses the intersection of speech writing and theater criticism, emphasizing the importance of adapting writing styles to different contexts.
Exploring the Fascination with the Artistic Experience in Theater
Vincent Cunningham reflects on his enduring passion for theater, stemming from his involvement in musicals and playwriting courses during high school and college. He discusses the unique live experience of theater that captivates audiences, delving into the challenges of democratizing theater and advocating for broader access to artistic experiences.
Balancing Enthusiasm and Writing Craft in Criticism
Vincent Cunningham discusses the balance between personal interest and professional rigor in his writing, highlighting the need to authentically connect with subjects of his profiles and criticism. He articulates the interplay between individual enthusiasm, critical analysis, and storytelling to create compelling narratives that resonate with a diverse audience.
Vinson Cunningham is a staff writer for The New Yorker. His novel, published in March 2024, is Great Expectations.
“I think the job is just paying a bunch of attention. If you're a person like me, where thoughts and worries are intruding on your consciousness all the time, it is a great relief to have something to just over-describe and over-pay-attention to—and kind of just give all of your latent, usually anxious attention to this one thing. That, to me, is a great joy.”
