In reading plays, however, it should always be remembered that any play, however great, loses much when not seen in action.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
In the first place, it must be remembered that our point of view in examining the construction of a play will not always coincide with that which we occupy in thinking of its whole dramatic effect.
Plays are about understanding what happens, what it means. If we just leaned into the story, for lack of a better word, it would still be a powerful story but, like delight, it might disappear an hour after you saw it.
A play should give you something to think about. When I see a play and understand it the first time, then I know it can't be much good.
A good play puts the audience through a certain ordeal.
Any play that's making a point is less interesting than something that stays with you and suggests something further.
Of course the playing is important but writing and the establishing of what you are going for is prime too.
The play is a marvelous form, but it demands less than a novel.
A play is a passion.
The play is one of the very few pieces of great dramatic and comic writing that I have read in a long, long time. I was drawn to it because of the power of the writing, which gives me the actor a chance to explore many facets of myself.
I've seen plays that are, objectively, total messes that move me in ways that their tidier brethren do not. That's the romantic mystery of great theater. Translating this ineffability into printable prose is a challenge that can never be fully met.
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