ByQuotes

Robert Brustein Quotes

Powerful Robert Brustein for Daily Growth

About Robert Brustein

Robert Brustein (1927-2005) was an influential American theater critic, director, and educator. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on May 24, 1927, he grew up in a Jewish family that valued education and the arts. His early life instilled in him a deep appreciation for literature and performance, laying the foundation for his future career. Brustein earned his B.A. from Harvard University in 1950 and went on to pursue graduate studies at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. During this time, he developed a keen interest in theater, particularly the works of Bertolt Brecht and Eugene O'Neill. Returning to the United States, Brustein began his career as a theater critic for The New Republic and later for The Saturday Review. His sharp wit and incisive analysis made him one of the most respected critics of his time. In 1963, he became the chief drama critic for The New York Times, where he remained until 1968. Brustein's influence extended beyond criticism. He co-founded Yale Repertory Theatre in 1963 and served as its artistic director until 1974. During this period, he championed new works by American playwrights such as Sam Shepard, Maria Irene Fornes, and Edward Albee. In 1974, Brustein moved to Harvard University to establish the American Repertory Theatre (A.R.T.), where he served as its artistic director until 1985. The A.R.T. became a breeding ground for innovative and challenging theater, pushing boundaries and fostering the careers of many emerging artists. Brustein's major works include "The Theatre of Revolt: An Interpretation of Modern American Drama" (1964), "Nothing Like a Dream: Modern American Plays" (1972), and "The Runnymede Lectures on the American Theater" (1980). His writings continue to be influential in discussions about theater, art, and culture. Robert Brustein passed away on March 5, 2005, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a passionate advocate for artistic excellence and innovation in American theater.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Art should not be about self-expression, it should be about revealing truth."

This quote emphasizes that the primary purpose of art is to unveil or expose truth rather than merely expressing an artist's personal feelings or ideas. Art in this context serves as a vehicle for exploration, illumination, and understanding of profound realities, rather than a means for self-gratification. The artist is viewed as a facilitator or guide on the journey to unearth the underlying essence of existence or truth about humanity, society, or the universe.

"The theater is a temple where the spirit comes to play."

This quote suggests that the stage, or theater, serves as a sacred space for creative expression and entertainment, allowing people to connect with their emotions and the human spirit in an engaging and enjoyable way. It implies that the theater transcends ordinary life by providing a platform where we can explore our deepest thoughts, fears, joys, and dreams, thus enriching our understanding of ourselves and others.

"Theater is a social act: it belongs to the community and cannot live outside of it."

This quote underscores the communal, interactive, and societal nature of theater. In essence, theater transcends personal experience and becomes an expression and reflection of shared human experiences within a specific cultural context. It's not just about the actors or playwrights, but also about the audience and the community, who collectively give life to the work. Theater provides a platform for people to engage, share ideas, and form connections that transcend individual boundaries.

"A playwright's first duty is to create living, breathing characters."

Robert Brustein's quote emphasizes that the primary responsibility of a playwright lies in crafting authentic, dynamic characters for their plays. The characters should not be mere figments or idealized representations, but rather they should possess depth, complexity, and a sense of real-world believability to engage audiences emotionally and intellectually. This is crucial as it allows the audience to relate, empathize, and immerse themselves in the narrative, ultimately enriching the theatrical experience.

"Art is not a luxury, it's a necessity, essential to our humanness."

This quote emphasizes that art is not an optional or indulgent aspect of human life, but rather an integral part of what makes us human. Art serves as a vital means for self-expression, communication, and understanding our world. It is essential in fostering empathy, encouraging critical thinking, and promoting cultural awareness. In essence, art plays a crucial role in human development and society as a whole.

Forty years later, people still swear they can hear his offstage scream.

- Robert Brustein

Later, Still, His, Forty Years

The primary function of a theater is not to please itself, or even to please its audience. It is to serve talent.

- Robert Brustein

Audience, Itself, Even, Primary

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.