Every play is rhythmic control. If you want an audience to go on a journey, it's rhythmic control. You're crafting when they lean in, when they push back, when they breathe, when they surrender.
George C. WolfeRead
When I came to New York, I told everyone I was a writer/director, and they said, 'No.' There was a rule. You could be one or the other. They ordained me writer. But then I won the Obie for directing 'Spunk,' and the rules changed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Defying expectations can lead to success and changing perceptions.
This quote by George C. Wolfe illustrates the struggle of breaking stereotypes and societal norms, especially in creative fields. It highlights how personal ambition can clash with established conventions, yet through determination and success, one can reshape those conventions and challenge the definitions of identity and profession.
Themes
SuccessIdentityCreativeDeterminationChangeNorms
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech addressing young artists about breaking traditional roles.
More from George C. Wolfe
All quotes →One of the things I learned very early on was that if you cast the show correctly, and if you've created the right energy in the room, the solution is also in the room. The solution doesn't necessarily come from someone, but if everybody is working in a very steadfast and rigorous way, then everything you're looking for is in the room.
George C. WolfeRead
A musical is what happens when text collides with motion collides with song collides with spectacle. And spectacle can be the human heart; it doesn't necessarily have to be a helicopter crashing.
George C. WolfeRead
The wonderful thing about theater is that it has so many people involved in the creation of it. The worst thing about theater is that it has so many people involved in the creation of it. That dynamic is thrilling and challenging every time you make a show.
George C. WolfeRead
I was raised to believe that other people's suffering was my responsibility.
George C. WolfeRead
I think I am the first person of color to direct a major white play on Broadway. In 1993? That's astounding to me. And horrifying to me.
George C. WolfeRead
Similar quotes
Ability is important in our quest for success, but dependability is critical.
Zig ZiglarRead
Success is never so interesting as struggle
Willa CatherRead
I want to concentrate on winning things with Barcelona and Argentina. Then if people want to say nice things about me when I have retired, great. Right now, I need to concentrate on being part of a team - not just on me.
Lionel MessiRead
There's a certain sense of ownership that the fans have over you....The thing is, it's all good. You just have to get used to it. If somebody comes up to you while you're eating dinner or something, it's kind of like, 'Well, I asked for it.' It's much better than the alternative-nobody caring and nobody buying your music. The point is to try to just realize that these people are really excited, and that's a good thing. You want them to be that way.
Carrie UnderwoodRead
Ability may get you to the top, nut it takes chracter to keep you there - mental, moral, and physical.
John WoodenRead
Everest for me, and I believe for the world, is the physical and symbolic manifestation of overcoming odds to achieve a dream
Junko TabeiRead