Where’s the Subtext?

If genital gyrations on a stage constitute “theater,” then I suppose The Times’ forgiving review of “Puppetry of the Penis” (“Unabashed Celebration in ‘Puppetry,’ ” by Lewis Segal, Aug. 17) could be deemed “criticism.” But from where I sat, “Puppetry” is a sideshow display that stretched out its welcome after 10 minutes.

The problem with “Penis” is that it is a device with no subtext; we learn nothing of these gentlemen.

This, um, “theatrical event” (as the Tony Awards would call it) is uninventive, drawn-out and, at nearly 40 bucks a seat, creates a new cliche: “robbing Paul to pay Peter.”

TONY FRANKEL

Culver City