Action Quote by David Henry Hwang
“Originally the structure was . . . a modern narrator who would appear intermittently and talk about his memories of his grandmother, which would then be juxtaposed against scenes from the past. But the stories from the past were always more interesting that the things in the present. I find this almost endemic to modern plays that veer between past and present. . . . So as we've gone on developing GOLDEN CHILD, the scenes from the past have become more dominant, and all that remains of the present are these two little bookends that frame the action.”
About This Quote
Source Play Development Notes, GOLDEN CHILD, 2015
Modern narratives often shift focus from present to past, using memory frames that become dominant as the story evolves.
In simple terms: Stories may drift toward past scenes, reducing present relevance.
Key Takeaway
Maintain balance between timelines to preserve narrative tension.
Themes
memory
structure
temporal shift
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
theoretical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- stage productions
- script revisions
- director workshops
Key Concepts
dramatic structure
narrative focus
theatrical pacing
Questions to Reflect On
- What techniques keep present scenes compelling?
- How does temporal balance affect audience engagement?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on past can alienate audiences seeking present relevance.
