Not True, But Useful... A Cheek by Jowl Podcast Episode 10 - Tagliatelle
Jun 30, 2020
Declan Donnellan, a renowned theater director, dives into the fascinating intersection of life and art. He discusses the genius of Caravaggio and the mysteries of Racine. The conversation unpacks the importance of embracing ambiguity in both theater and life, especially in understanding classics like Macbeth. Donnellan emphasizes the art of performance, sharing insights on conveying classical verse authentically, and the challenge of embodying characters. His anecdotes reveal how preserving mystery in art enriches the experience, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.
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Art Turns Viewers Into Participants
- Declan Donnellan says great art implicates the viewer and makes them examine their own standpoint.
- He describes Caravaggio's paintings as invasive, making you feel like an actor inside the work.
Respect The Play’s Central Mystery
- Donnellan warns that over-explaining a myth or play can kill its central mystery.
- He argues art's function is to make us accept mystery while still prompting us to try to understand.
Avoid Demanding Explanations From Artists
- Avoid forcing artists to explain their work because explanations can deaden it.
- Donnellan admires creators like Bresson who refuse interviews to protect the work's mystery.