Ability Quote by Jean-Louis Barrault
“Acting is the ability to keep an audience from coughing.”
About This Quote
Source Theatre: Quote from Jean-Louis Barrault, 20th century theatre practitioner
Comedy relies on diverting audience attention from discomfort to entertainment.
In simple terms: Humor hides discomfort.
Key Takeaway
Use humor to manage audience discomfort.
Themes
theatre
comedy
audience management
Mood
lighthearted
playful
Type
observational
practical
When to use this quote
- stand-up shows
- theatre productions
- public speaking
- live events
Key Concepts
performance
distraction
timing
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you gauge when humor is appropriate?
- What alternatives exist when humor fails?
A Different Perspective
Humor may not work if the audience is genuinely ill.
