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About this quote

What does it mean?
Evans humorously admits actresses are mundane off-stage but shine when performing scripted roles.
In plain terms
Actresses are boring off-stage but great when following directions.
What can you take from it?
Performance roles can hide true personality; don't judge people solely by their stage persona.

Where it applies

  • entertainment industry
  • public perception
  • social interactions

Putting it to work

  • separate work from life
  • judge people privately

Questions to consider

  • How much of your work persona is fake?
  • Can you tell when someone is performing?

Another view

The self-deprecation might be exaggerated for effect rather than literal truth.

More from Edith Evans

  1. If you're an actor, a real actor, you've got to be on the stage. But you mustn't go on the stage unless it's absolutely the only thing you can do.

    Permalink to quote #2
  2. When a woman behaves like a man, why doesn't she behave like a nice man?

    Permalink to quote #4
  3. A successful artist of any kind has to work so hard that she is justified in refusing to lay down her sceptre until she is placed on the bier.

    Permalink to quote #5

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