ByQuotes

David Ives Quotes

Powerful David Ives for Daily Growth

About David Ives

David Ives is an eminent American playwright, screenwriter, and lyricist, renowned for his clever wit, intellectual humor, and adaptations of classic plays. Born on May 27, 1957, in New York City, Ives was exposed to the world of theater from a young age, nurturing an innate passion for storytelling and drama. He graduated magna cum laude from Dartmouth College with a BA in English Literature before earning his MFA in playwriting at the Yale School of Drama. Ives's work is heavily influenced by his love for language, literature, and the philosophical underpinnings of human existence. His plays often explore complex themes such as identity, reality, and the nature of truth through a lens of irony, satire, and absurdism. Some of his most celebrated works include "All in the Timing" (1993), a collection of one-act comedies; "New Jerusalem" (2009); and adaptations of classical plays like Molière's "The School for Scandal" and Chekhov's "The Three Sisters." In 2011, Ives collaborated with Paul Gordon to create the critically acclaimed musical "Dream true: The Twyla Tharp Musical," which delved into the life of celebrated choreographer Twyla Tharp. His screenwriting credits include "The Baxter" (2005) and episodes for television shows like "Law & Order." David Ives continues to be an influential figure in contemporary American theater, blending the intellectual rigor of academic discourse with the accessibility of popular entertainment. His plays remain staples in regional theaters across the United States and beyond, ensuring his legacy as a master storyteller and witty humorist in the world of literature and drama.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"We're not made for each other." - "All in the Timing"

The quote from David Ives, "We're not made for each other" from his play "All in the Timing," suggests a profound disconnect between individuals or perhaps humanity as a whole. It implies that human nature, desires, or societal structures are inherently mismatched, leading to conflict and misunderstanding. This quote can be interpreted on various levels - it could refer to romantic relationships, friendship, or even the larger narrative of mankind's struggle against the universe and each other. Essentially, Ives poses a question about the nature of our connections, suggesting that despite our best efforts, we may not always fit together in harmony.

"Life is a game, and games necessitate losing." - "The School for Scandal" adaptation

This quote suggests that life itself can be compared to a game, with its own rules, challenges, victories, and defeats. It implies that accepting the inevitability of loss is an essential part of participating in the game of life. The lesson is not to shy away from failure or fear it, but rather to see each loss as a learning experience, contributing to our personal growth and development. Embracing this perspective allows us to face challenges with resilience and wisdom, and ultimately find meaning and fulfillment in the journey itself, rather than solely focusing on the destination.

"The universe is a dream dreamed by some All-Powerful Dreamer... or the description of a great joke about to be revealed." - "New Worlds, Bright as Shiny Tin"

The quote suggests that the universe, as we know it, may be a product of an all-powerful consciousness or imagination (dream), or it might be part of a cosmic joke that is yet to be fully understood (the great joke about to be revealed). In essence, Ives posits that reality could be subjective and shaped by some higher, mysterious force, or it may hold deeper, unseen meaning beyond our current comprehension.

"Life is a series of collisions with the unexpected." - "Venus in Furs" adaptation

This quote by David Ives, from his adaptation of "Venus in Furs," implies that life is unpredictable and full of surprises. It suggests that we often encounter events or situations that we did not expect, which can be both challenging and enriching. The phrase "collisions with the unexpected" underscores the idea that these encounters may initially disrupt our plans or comfort zones but can ultimately lead to growth and learning. Embracing the unknown and being open to new experiences is a theme echoed in this quote, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and resilience in navigating life's twists and turns.

"We're all going to die, soon or late, so it pays to do what you love." - "The Liar"

The quote emphasizes that life is short and unpredictable, thus, it is wise to pursue what one loves. In essence, it encourages individuals to prioritize their passions and interests in life, as our eventual fate (death) makes the choices we make along the way of utmost importance. By doing what we love, we can ensure that our time on this earth is spent meaningfully and fulfilling.

Necessarily, I'm always involved in casting, as any playwright is, because the whole process of putting on a play is a collaborative, organic effort on the part of a bunch of people trying to think alike.

- David Ives

Play, Think, Always, Casting

Writing a play, you start with less, so more is demanded of you. It's as if you have to not only write a symphony, but invent the instruments as well.

- David Ives

Start, Play, More, Symphony

Verse comedy is interesting to me because of the challenge of writing in rhymed couplets, which is not a form that's usually amenable to English, yet to me it gives great possibility for comedy.

- David Ives

Comedy, Which, Amenable, Verse

I think everything should be in verse. 'The New York Times' should be in verse.

- David Ives

Think, New, New York Times, Verse

With my plays, when the lights go down, at least the audience isn't thinking, 'Oh, God, two more hours of this.'

- David Ives

Audience, Hours, Plays, Lights

Lists are anti-democratic, discriminatory, elitist, and sometimes the print is too small.

- David Ives

Small, Print, Too, Discriminatory

Plays are always about intense relationships, whether they're intense love relationships or family relationships or existential relationships.

- David Ives

Love, Always, Existential, Intense

I admire pop songs that are perfect at three minutes.

- David Ives

Perfect, Songs, Pop, Pop Songs

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.