When I went to Yale, I thought it would be like in…
“When I went to Yale, I thought it would be like in Stenford 24 hours a day. Robert Brustein, former dean of the Yale School of Drama and founder of the Yale Repertory Theater was there, and we did all this very serious - I would go so far as to say completely humorless - Eastern European drama, as well as August Strindberg, and Henrik Ibsen, we weren't allowed to do William Shakespeare or Tennessee Williams or Eugene O'Neill. I was not in the right place.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker expected Yale to match Stanford’s constant intensity but found a restrictive, serious drama focus, feeling mismatched with the environment.
In simple terms: Expected one vibe, got a different, rigid drama program.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when a setting doesn’t align with your expectations.
Themes
expectations
environment
artistic focus
personal fit
Mood
disappointed
reflective
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- academic planning
- career decisions
- artistic collaborations
Key Concepts
dramatic curriculum
institutional culture
creative freedom
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you thrive in structured or flexible creative settings?
- How can you adapt when expectations clash with reality?
A Different Perspective
The program’s strict focus limited exposure to diverse playwrights.