When I write, I am not giving a lecture, I am speculating on behavior. Sometimes this is dangerous, but it should be. As I say often, theatre is a da…

- Howard Barker

The artist who makes himself accessible is self-destructive.

- Howard Barker

I am so far as I am aware not at all influenced by dramatists, expect for Shakespeare, who I have to say, it is impossible not to be influenced by if…

- Howard Barker

I don't like sympathetic characters.

- Howard Barker

I’ve often taken important classical, biblical or literary stories and interrogated them. I have tried to reinvigorate Lot by interpreting it differe…

- Howard Barker

A good play puts the audience through a certain ordeal.

- Howard Barker

Tragedy is the greatest art form of all. It gives us the courage to continue with our life by exposing us to the pain of life. It is unsentimental, i…

- Howard Barker

You emerge from tragedy equipped against lies. After the musical, you're anybody's fool

- Howard Barker

I believe in poetic discourse, in the value of speech in a non-naturalistic way; it's speculative.

- Howard Barker