You've got to keep fighting; you've got to risk your life every six months to stay alive.
Elia KazanRead
I knew the exuberance of playing before an admiring audience and hearing my secret voice.
Interpretation
The quote reflects the joy and fulfillment that comes from performing and being appreciated by others.
Elia Kazan's quote captures the essence of an artist's experience when they perform in front of an audience that admires their talent. The 'exuberance' suggests a deep emotional high, as the artist feels a connection not only to the audience but also to their 'secret voice', which represents their true self and passion that is expressed through their art. This moment highlights the affirmation and validation that artists often seek in their craft.
In practice
During a speech at an art forum where creativity was being celebrated.
You've got to keep fighting; you've got to risk your life every six months to stay alive.
Acting... was the biggest charge I ever had. What other artist has it so good? Approval so quick?
I've come to believe that everything worth achieving is beyond one's capacity - or seems so at first. The thing is to persist, not back off, fight your fight, pay your dues, and carry on. Effort is all; continue and you may get there despite everything.
A good director's not sure when he gets on the set what he's going to do.
To be a member of the Communist Party is to have a taste of the police state. It is a diluted taste but it is bitter and unforgettable.
I've lost many of my best friends... I'm going to satisfy myself now, not the critics, not even my friends.
It is a great difficulty and a great necessity to have to start with the smallest.
Elvis Presley was the big bang. He was the most influential single figure in the history of American pop culture. He changed the way we looked, thought, dressed, held a guitar. He didn't invent rock & roll, but he defined it in a way that everyone who followed him owes him a debt.
With the first novel, I was concerned I would be pigeon-holed as an Asian-American writer, and the book would be labeled for Asian-Americans only.
Never play a thing the same way twice.
Music helps you find the truths you must bring into the rest of your life.
On the other hand, what I like my music to do to me is awaken the ghosts inside of me. Not the demons, you understand, but the ghosts.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.