Journalist and podcast host Sam Sanders discusses the stories of the summer; director and actor Natasha Lyonne shares her experience as a child actor in New York City; Tom Hanks talks about the Stanley Kubrick film that propelled his career; critic Hilton Als reflects on the late Joan Didion; novelist Zadie Smith discusses the politics of writing.
Living in the present and indulging in life experiences can teach valuable lessons about beauty and enjoyment.
Radical collective action and solidarity are necessary in order to challenge and dismantle systemic power structures.
While art has the potential to create change, artists should not overstate its political efficacy and must recognize the distinction between labor and art.
Deep dives
Discovering Pleasure and Beauty in Italy
During a period of living in Italy, Zadie Smith decided to focus on enjoying life and took a break from writing. She lived in the moment, indulging in food, drinks, and conversations. This experience taught her about beauty and the importance of living in the present.
The Complexity of Ethics and Politics
Zadie Smith reflects on the complexity of ethics and politics, challenging the idea that good writing requires good being. She believes that being a better person through writing is a delusion, and that the ethical area becomes more complicated as one navigates relationships and responsibilities. Smith emphasizes the need for radical collective action and solidarity in the face of systemic power structures.
The Limits of Art and Political Efficacy
Zadie Smith questions the perceived political efficacy of art, stating that artists themselves often overstate its impact. She argues that while art has the potential to create change, it cannot be relied upon as a timely agent of transformation. Smith also draws attention to the distinction between labor and art, highlighting the control artists have over their own time in creating their work.
The Importance of Understanding Dialogue in Acting
The podcast episode discusses the importance of understanding the meaning behind the dialogue when acting in a play. It highlights the difference between simply memorizing lines and truly grasping the message and intent behind them. The speaker shares their experience of working with a director who emphasized the need to have a deeper understanding of the text and bring something more to the performance than what is written on the page. This insight is presented as a key factor that distinguishes professional acting from amateur performances.
Finding Vocabulary and Options in Pursuing Acting
The podcast delves into the personal journey of the speaker in pursuing a career in acting. They recount their experiences of initially not understanding the direction, purpose, and potential opportunities in the field. However, over time, they gained a deeper understanding of the vocabulary and possibilities beyond their immediate circumstances. The speaker highlights the importance of embracing options, taking chances, and trusting instincts when it comes to pursuing a career in acting. They also mention the influence of playwrights like Joan Didion and the significance of expressing vulnerability and embracing radical work in creative endeavors.
As we say goodbye to 2023, a collection of passages from some of our favorite episodes of the year. Featuring journalist and podcast host Sam Sanders on the stories of the summer (4:10), director and actor Natasha Lyonne on being a child actor in New York City (18:42), the Stanley Kubrick film that propelled Tom Hanks into performing (28:55), critic Hilton Als on the late Joan Didion (41:45), novelist Zadie Smith on the politics of writing (52:15), and to close, a tribute to the late Norman Lear (1:15:00).
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