I do theory. Theory itself is a critical practice , even to the extent that we may speak of the experience of theory. Cultural artefacts are subjected to an intense and enthusiastic public debate by non-professional readers in magazines, studies, associations and fan clubs. But this process also works the other way round. Sometimes cultural artefacts that are part of an integral set of canonical texts work their way into popular consciousness.
Cultural artefacts are sites of struggle where battles over value and meaning are fought.
One of such sites is the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. Throughout its critical history it has achieved a wide public acclaim yet many Shakespeare scholars do not rank it high either as a comedy or as a dramatic play. So fearful were they of infection. Much danger indeed . A Letter late.