I don't believe in astrology. The only stars I can blame for my failures are those that walk about the stage.
Noel CowardRead
Acting is not a state of being ... but a state of appearing to be. You can't be eight times a week without going stark staring mad. You've got to be in control.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Acting is about creating an illusion rather than embodying a character, and it requires control to maintain that illusion.
Noel Coward emphasizes that acting is fundamentally about the appearance of being someone else rather than actually becoming that character in a literal sense. This underscores the importance of maintaining control over oneself while performing, as becoming too engrossed in the role can lead to confusion and madness, especially for someone who plays multiple roles frequently.
Themes
ActingIllusionControlPerformanceRoles
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared during a theater workshop to inspire actors to maintain their focus.
More from Noel Coward
All quotes →Goodnight, my darlings, I'll see you tomorrow.
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It's no use to go and take courses in playwriting any more than it's much use taking courses in acting. Better play to a bad matinée in Hull, it will teach you much more than a year of careful instruction.
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But why, oh why, do the wrong people travel, when the right people stay at home?
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Never mind, dear, we're all made the same, though some more than others.
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Wit ought to be a glorious treat like caviar; never spread it about like marmalade.
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