A handful of works in history have had a direct impact on social policy: one or two works of Dickens, some of Zola, 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' and, in modern drama, Larry Kramer's 'The Normal Heart.'
Tony KushnerRead
And I don't consider Broadway the acropolis of theatrical art. I mean Broadway is commercial - that's what it is. It's expensive seats and a lot of them that have to be filled every night. Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway, as far as I'm concerned, is in New York the pride of New York theater.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Broadway is commercialized theater, while Off-Broadway represents true artistic expression.
In this quote, Tony Kushner emphasizes the distinction between mainstream Broadway productions and the more artistic and experimental performances found in Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway theaters. He suggests that the financial pressures of Broadway diminish its artistic value, positioning Off-Broadway as the heart of genuine theatrical innovation in New York.
Themes
BroadwayTheaterArtCommercialOff-BroadwayPerformance
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech at a drama festival, this quote can highlight the importance of supporting independent theater.
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