Audience Quote by Christopher Durang
“In my 20s, I was more cynical/despairing (even though I still wrote comically), but I often sent audiences home with rather dark last moments. After a while though, I don't want to send the audience home bummed out, or distressed ... I want to see what's hopeful. I'm not overly cheery all the time, and yet I'm not suicidal either. I do think people can make choices that make their lives happier.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Squirrels, 2005
The author seeks to balance dark humor with hopeful endings, believing choices affect happiness.
In simple terms: Balancing dark humor with hope.
Key Takeaway
Aim for humor that uplifts.
Themes
humor
hope
choice
Mood
thoughtful
optimistic
Type
inspirational
practical
When to use this quote
- scriptwriting
- stand‑up comedy
- mental‑health advocacy
Key Concepts
theatre
creative writing
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you weave hope without sugar‑coating?
- What choices can you make to improve your own happiness?
A Different Perspective
Humor can sometimes trivialize serious issues.
![“[The Greeks] went to the open-air theatre expecting the drama they saw to evoke terror and pity. Nowadays we have enough terror and pity in our own lives and so rather than going to the theatre looking for terror, we go looking for slight irritation. And rather than looking for the theatre to…” quote by Christopher Durang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/08f/christopher-durang-22423_theatre_the-greeks-went-to-the-open-air-theatre_1275887.jpg)
