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It was a different planet in 1967, the Broadway theatre…

“It was a different planet in 1967, the Broadway theatre. It had a little ashtray clamped to the back of every seat and the author got 10% of the gross.” quote by Tom Stoppard
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“It was a different planet in 1967, the Broadway theatre. It had a little ashtray clamped to the back of every seat and the author got 10% of the gross.”

Tom Stoppard

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

It describes a theatrical setting where each seat had an ashtray and the author earned a modest share of profits, highlighting modest commercial terms of the era.

In simple terms: A theater had ashtrays on seats and the writer got 10% of earnings.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how creative compensation has evolved.

Themes

theatre economics history culture

Mood

nostalgic reflective

Type

historical informative

When to use this quote

  • studying vintage theatre contracts
  • analyzing modern author royalties
  • comparing past and present entertainment economics

Key Concepts

royalties publishing stagecraft

Questions to Reflect On

  • How have author royalties changed over time?
  • What does this say about the value of creative work?
A Different Perspective

Modern contracts often include larger percentages and digital rights, not just flat gross shares.

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