What I hate about kitchen-sink dramas is [this idea] that the set is real, therefore you're going to be seeing truth. You have to earn truth. Truth can't be a part of the fact that people appear to talk that way and live in that room. You're looking for the poetry in something, and I don't mean poetry in the fancy sense. Naturalism believes by just replicating a thing you give the truth, rather than earning the truth.
Interpretation
The quote critiques kitchen-sink dramas by stating that true representation and truth in art must be earned, not just replicated.
John Guare's quote emphasizes the importance of depth and authenticity in artistic expression, particularly in the context of kitchen-sink dramas. He argues that simply imitating reality or creating a seemingly realistic setting does not guarantee that the art will convey genuine truth. Instead, he suggests that true artistic expression requires a deeper exploration and understanding of the human condition, where the nuances and complexities of life are turned into something poetic, transcending mere replication of reality.
In practice
In a film discussion about the authenticity of emotional representation among characters.
You must keep people happy backstage because that affects what's onstage. During a run, the playwright feels like the mayor of a small town filled with noble creatures who have to get out there and make it brand new every night. When a production works, it's unlike any other joy in the world.
Once a song and dance man, always a song and dance man. Those few words tell as much about me professionally as there is to tell.
But fantasy kills imagination, pornography is death to art.
I don't do fashion, I AM fashion.
Music and love are the only accomplishments of humanity which do not, in an absolute sense, have to be called attempts with unsuitable means.
Poetry is what we turn to in the most emotional moments of our life - when a beloved friend dies, when a baby is born or when we fall in love.
You have to imagine you write a show about a sponge and you think that maybe a few people will think it is funny, some college students, but it takes off. It is truly shocking - to the point where it is bizarre.
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