ON ACTING: And the Loss of Innocence

The price of a complex performance is the loss of innocence. To understand a character requires you to understand yourself on the deepest levels first. All knowledge-of others or a character--proceeds from self-knowledge. To 'understand' others or characters is to acknowledge your 'simpatico' with them; to tacitly acknowledge "There but for the grace of God--or circumstance--go I!"

That loss of innocence--or the disabling of self-denial--is probably the greatest cost of becoming an actor/artist. And, as a reqard for that singular act of courage, to be willing to stare into the mirror--which is what a scripted character is--and say, "That is me", respect, applause, money and high esteem most likely will follow.