There's a kind of silliness in the theater about what one contributes to a show. The producer obviously contributes the money... but must the actor contribute nothing at all? I'm not a modest fellow about those things. I contribute a great deal. And they always manage to hang you for having an interpretation. Isn't [the theater] where your imagination should flower? Why must it always be dull as shit?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Mostel defends the actor's creative contribution against producers who control the money but limit artistic interpretation.
- In plain terms
- Actors bring value beyond money, yet they are punished for using their imagination too much.
- What can you take from it?
- Artistic contribution often clashes with financial control in theater.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How should creative input be valued versus funding?
- Does pride help or hurt collaboration?
Another view
He admits his pride might cause friction despite being right.
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