I'm sensitive about the criticism [for not producing new…
“I'm sensitive about the criticism [for not producing new playwrights], yes. But I'm hip to it as well. I read 500 new plays a year, and 99.99 percent of them are not good. I see no reason to do a new play just because it's new. It's like kissing your sister, a virtue, but so what? It seems to me more worthwhile to take a proven playwright and say, Write something for us.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The author argues that producing new plays indiscriminately is wasteful; better to rely on proven playwrights rather than chasing novelty for its own sake.
In simple terms: Quality over quantity; focus on proven talent.
Prioritize substance over novelty.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- theatre production
- publishing
- curation
- artistic commissioning
- industry standards
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can emerging voices be supported responsibly?
- What criteria define a 'good' play?
New works may bring unexpected innovation despite low odds.