Harold Pinter: The Bobbing of Egos
HAROLD PINTER British Actor and Playwright COMPULSORY CREDIT Starstock/Photoshot/Everett Collection CGH 013865 24.01.1969 CGH_013865
Interview with Harold Pinter
Conducted by James Grissom
1997
Most people are not talented. This is true of the world in general, and this is true of the theatrical world as well. Talent is very rare. Ambition, however, is the persistent weed that grows among us all. We all find ourselves in rooms and on stages with people whose consistent employment is baffling, but we have to move on. Look away. Chalk it up to the mysteries of art, commerce, and greed. Do what you can, but never, under any circumstances, assume that everyone showing up at curtain time belongs there or has earned the place. Odd bargains all around. Stay alone, to yourself, with those you trust and respect. Do your work, do it well. When alone, laugh a lot. The bobbing of egos to rise to a questionable place is the ultimate farce.
© 2017 James Grissom
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Rogues & Vagabonds 
That’s a great quote from Pinter. I could never decide about him. One day I might consider him a genius, the next dislike him intently. Those thoughts have moved him up a place in my estimation, undoubtedly.
Best wishes, Pete. x
Some good advice in there, if you pick and choose. 🙂 Hope you are feeling much better and I’m so happy to see you back and blogging.
I still don’t like his work! To say so was particularly sacrilegious when I was at drama school so I kept my mouth shut.
I agree. It’s good to be back but I’m having to cut back my conversations or I’ll die before I’ve finished the writing I have to do!