After all my years in the theater, I can look back on only a handful of moments that met my own standards of perfection. When you transcend yourself and really get inside the character, it's like being touched by God. That happened to me once or twice while I was playing Victoria
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- True artistic perfection is rare and transcendent. It involves deep connection with a role, feeling almost spiritual in nature.
- In plain terms
- Only a few moments in my career felt perfect and transcendent.
- What can you take from it?
- True artistic connection is rare and profound.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When have you felt transcendent?
- What is peak performance?
Another view
Not all art requires spiritual transcendence.
More from Helen Hayes
The worst constructed play is a Bach fugue when compared to life.
Permalink to quote #17 Age is not important unless you're a cheese.
Permalink to quote #19 The good die young-but not always. The wicked prevail-but not consistently. I am confused by life, and I feel safe within the confines of the theatre.
Permalink to quote #16
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