Actor Quote by Peter Brook
“Theatres, actors, critics and public are interlocked in a machine that creaks but never stops. There is always a new season in hand and we are to busy to ask the only vital question which measures the whole structure. Why theatre at all? What for? Is it an anachronism, a superannuated oddity? Surviving like an old monument or a quaint custom? Why do we applaud and what? Has the stage a real place in our lives? What function can it have? What could it serve? What could it explore? What are its special properties?”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Theatre, 1975
The quote questions the relevance and purpose of theatre, urging a deeper examination of its role and value in society.
In simple terms: It asks why theatre matters and what it offers.
Reflect on theatre’s purpose.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- theatre criticism
- educational programs
- community outreach
- policy funding
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What unique value does theatre provide today?
- How can theatre adapt to modern audiences?
It may overlook practical constraints like funding and audience decline.