The Value of Theatre: Quotes

"When I think about the theatre going experience I think about the total immersion in the moment. You, as the audience, are a part of the experience. You feel the emotions, hear the chosen music, see the stage and lights. There is a building of anticipation as the actors take their places. When it is well done you are transported to a different time and place."  ~Debbie Walker, actress

"In the true theatre a play disturbs the senses' repose, frees the repressed unconscious, incites a kind of virtual revolution (which moreover can have its full effect only if it remains virtual), and imposes on the assembled collectivity an attitude that is both difficult and heroic."
(A. Artaud - "Theatre & The Plague") ~submitted by Jay Parks, actor and board member, Woodward Shakespeare Festival

"It is perhaps the shadows cast by these metaphorical lights which Plato referred to as dancing on the
wall in his famous cave allegory.  The Shadows are not the reality, but their very presence proves that a deeper level does in fact exist. " ~M. Peterson, Artists Repertory Theatre, Fresno.

"Of course the theatre has more to offer than just heroics. Theatre can be mindless entertainment, tearing eyed nostalgia, or mind humbling satire. It's because of theatre's diversity that it does have so much to offer the community. Technology will change the operation of society but does little to change humanity. Art does that. As Paul Gauguin said, "Art is either plagiarism of revolution." Theatre at is best is revolution in that change only happens when the unexpected occurs. Live theatre is filled with the unexpected.  It is life itself." ~Tom Nance, local actor

"I think the only way to create "value" in theatre for a new generation is by them experiencing great theatre. Getting people to go to the theatre cannot be taught or required if there is to be real meaning and 'value'. But how to do that? In areas where great theatre is limited or difficult to get to get to and there is no inspiriational mentor to point the way and share that love, I have no idea. However, here in southern Oregon all these aspects come into focus with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and it's incredibel and successful educational and outreach programs. The 'value' here is in the experiences and the "doing" thus creating life long love for theatre."  Paul R. Jones, actor and director