Epitaph for a dead waiter - God finally caught his eye.
George S. KaufmanRead
At dramatic rehearsals, the only author that's better than an absent one is a dead one.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote humorously suggests that a silent author is preferable to one who is present and potentially critical during rehearsals.
This quote by George S. Kaufman reflects the often tumultuous nature of the creative process, particularly in theater. It implies that the presence of an author during rehearsals can lead to conflict or disruption, as they may have strong opinions about the actors' interpretations of their work. Kaufman's wit points to the value of letting a piece evolve without the constraints of an author's expectations, suggesting that sometimes, the best outcome comes from a less hands-on approach.
Themes
TheaterCreativityAuthorHumorRehearsal
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote at a theater workshop to lighten the mood during discussions about authors' notes.
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