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Drama criticism ... is a self-knowing account of the way in which one's consciousness has been modified during an evening at the theatre.
Kenneth Tynan
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on how the experience of watching a theatrical performance can alter one's perception and understanding.

Kenneth Tynan's quote emphasizes the transformative power of theatre, suggesting that drama criticism is not just an assessment of a play, but a profound exploration of how the theatre experience can reshape an individual's consciousness. It implies that attending a performance is a deeply personal journey where one's thoughts and feelings are engaged and altered by the art of storytelling.

Themes

TheatreDramaCriticismConsciousnessExperience

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about the impact of live performances, I would use this quote to highlight how theatre can change perspectives.

More from Kenneth Tynan

It is Ireland's sacred duty to send over, every few years, a playwright to save the English theater from inarticulate glumness.
Kenneth TynanRead
Art is a private thing, the artist makes it for himself; a comprehensible work is the product of a journalist. We need works that are strong, straight, precise, and forever beyond understanding.
Kenneth TynanRead

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