Clive Barnes Quotes

Powerful Clive Barnes for Daily Growth

About Clive Barnes

Clive Barnes (1927-2008) was an esteemed American theater critic, drama critic for The New York Times, and a respected figure in the world of arts and literature. Born on October 23, 1927, in London, England, he moved to the United States with his family at the age of eight. Raised in Washington D.C., Barnes attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before serving as an officer in the U.S. Army during World War II. Upon returning to civilian life, he began a career in journalism, contributing to several newspapers and magazines. His passion for theater was ignited while studying at Oxford University, where he became involved with student productions. Barnes joined The New York Times in 1958 as a drama critic, a role he held for over three decades. He was known for his insightful reviews, wit, and ability to capture the essence of a performance in just a few words. His critiques were not only read by theatergoers but also by those in the industry itself, making him an influential figure in the New York theater scene. Some of Barnes's most significant works include "Broadway at its Best" (1968), which collected his reviews on the best productions of the 1960s, and "Clive Barnes on Theatre: The Best from the New York Times, 1958-2000" (2003). In addition to his criticism work, Barnes wrote several plays, novels, and adaptations for stage and screen. Throughout his career, Clive Barnes was honored with numerous awards, including three Pulitzer Prize nominations and a Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1986. His legacy continues to inspire critics and theater enthusiasts today. Barnes passed away on November 20, 2008, leaving behind an indelible mark on the world of theater and journalism.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Dance is the loftiest, the most moving, the most beautiful of the arts, because it is no mere translation or abstraction from life; it is life itself."

This quote by Clive Barnes emphasizes the unique power and essence of dance as an art form. Unlike other forms of art which may represent or symbolize life, dance is considered the embodiment of life itself due to its dynamic, expressive, and spontaneous nature. The movement, rhythm, and emotion conveyed through dance reflect the very pulse and spirit of existence, making it a powerful means of communication that transcends language barriers.


"It takes an artist to make a television show, but it takes a genius to make a cartoon."

This quote suggests that creating a successful television show requires a level of artistic talent, as one must have a creative vision, storytelling skills, and the ability to bring characters and scenarios to life. However, making a cartoon, which is often more complex due to its reliance on visual aesthetics, animation techniques, and the need to convey emotions and stories through static images, requires an even higher level of creativity and genius. In essence, Clive Barnes is implying that animating cartoons is not just about being an artist, but rather a rare combination of artistic talent and extraordinary creative abilities.


"Theater is a great teacher, but not always in the way you expect."

This quote emphasizes that the theater not only provides knowledge about acting, directing, or playwriting, but it also imparts life lessons beyond the stage. The unconventional learning comes from experiencing emotions, understanding human dynamics, empathy, and problem-solving in a vivid and immediate way. It's an unexpected form of education that fosters personal growth, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.


"In art, as in love, the great lesson is to learn how to let go."

This quote suggests that just as in a relationship, letting go is a crucial aspect of creating art. It means allowing creativity to flow freely without control or attachment to specific outcomes. The artist should embrace the process, trusting their intuition and skill, while understanding that perfection is an elusive goal. In other words, true artistic expression lies in the ability to let go of preconceived notions and expectations, and surrender to the creative spirit.


"To be an artist is to believe in life."

This quote by Clive Barnes suggests that artists, through their creative works, express a profound faith in the vitality and value of life. By bringing ideas, emotions, and stories to life, they celebrate the beauty, complexity, and resilience of existence. Essentially, being an artist involves seeing the world with optimism and passion, imbuing it with meaning and inviting others to share in this belief.


One of the few things in dance to match the Royal Ballet's curtain calls is the Royal Ballet's dancing.

- Clive Barnes

Dancing, Calls, Few Things, Curtain

Television is the first truly democratic culture - the first culture available to everybody and entirely governed by what the people want. The most terrifying thing is what people do want.

- Clive Barnes

Want, Everybody, Terrifying, Entirely

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