"One of the few things in dance to match the Royal Ballet's curtain calls is the Royal Ballet's dancing."
About Clive Barnes
Clive Barnes — Life and Legacy
Clive Barnes was a distinguished theater critic whose work significantly shaped the landscape of American theater criticism. His keen insights and articulate reviews provided audiences with a deeper understanding of theatrical performances, emphasizing the emotional and psychological dimensions of art. Barnes famously stated, 'The theater is a place of truth,' a reflection of his belief that theater serves as a mirror to society, revealing the complexities of human nature. He challenged conventional views by advocating for the critic's role as an interpreter of artistic intent rather than just a judge of quality. His critiques often explored the intricate relationship between the audience and the performance, asserting that the experience of watching a play is as vital as the play itself. Barnes's legacy endures as his perspectives continue to influence how we appreciate and critique the performing arts today.
Quote collection
Clive Barnes quotes
7 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"I don't see why people want new plays all the time. What would happen to concerts if people wanted new music all the time?"
"Television is the first truly democratic culture - the first culture available to everybody and entirely governed by what the people want. The most terrifying thing is what people do want."
"I am convinced that anyone can be a great writer . . . if he can only . . . tell the naked truth about himself and other people. That, a little technique with words and the willingness to bare heart, soul and body are really all it takes."
"Dance has become an exclusionary enterprise. To participate, one must be thinner than thin, of pleasing form, flexible, athletic and young. If you are not all these things, you will be allowed to dance in the privacy of your own living room. You just wouldn't dare to put yourself onstage."
"The mother is not dying exactly, but has reached a point in life where death is a familiar on the staircase."
"One of the most beautiful sights in dance is American Ballet Theatre in full flight."