Big head Quote by Robertson Davies
“That is the operatic problem; the singer must keep up a big head of steam while trying to appear secretive, or seductive, or consumptive. Some ingenious composer should write an opera about a group of people who were condemned by a cruel god to scream all the time; it would be an instantaneous success, and a triumph of versimilitude.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Rebel Angels, 1981
The passage satirically critiques opera singers’ need to project powerful emotions while maintaining secrecy, suggesting a fantastical opera about eternally screaming condemned souls would be a hit.
In simple terms: Opera demands dramatic intensity that can clash with subtlety, leading to absurd extremes.
Key Takeaway
Balance expressive power with authenticity in performance.
Themes
art
performance
authenticity
absurdity
Mood
witty
critical
Type
artistic
humorous
When to use this quote
- stage direction
- acting workshops
- creative writing
- performance critique
- theatrical production
Key Concepts
theatre
opera
dramatic tension
creative satire
Questions to Reflect On
- How can performers convey depth without over‑dramatising?
- What role does subtlety play in compelling storytelling?
A Different Perspective
The suggestion may exaggerate audience tastes, assuming they prefer shock over nuance.
