the Great Actor, capable of bringing herself to tears, may extort our admiration for her "accomplishment," but she will never leave us stronger; she has made us pay a price, and made us pretend we like it, but we leave the theatre moved only by our capacity to be moved.
In David Mamet's "True and False: Heresy and Common Sense for the Actor," the author reflects on the nature of acting and its emotional impact on audiences. He suggests that while a skilled actor can evoke strong feelings and admiration through their performance, this does not necessarily lead to a sense of empowerment or strength within the viewer. Instead, it highlights the actor's skill in manipulating emotions, potentially leaving the audience feeling drained rather than uplifted.
Mamet argues that the emotional experience crafted by an accomplished actor may come with a cost. The audience may enjoy the artistry but ultimately finds themselves merely spectators, required to feign appreciation for the experience. This illusion of emotional depth does not fortify the viewer but rather emphasizes their ability to be influenced, prompting a reflection on the true value of theatrical experiences and the role of the actor in shaping emotional responses.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
