Quotes: Jerzy Grotowski

"The performance is not an illusionist copy of reality, its imitation; nor is it a set of conventions, accepted as a kind of deliberate game, playing at a seperate theatrical reality... The actor does not play, does not imitate, or pretend. He is himself." -- (quoted in Grotowski's Laboratory) Ludwik Flaszen

"Examining the nature of theatre... we came to the conclusion that its essence lies in direct contact between people. This in mind, we have decided to get beyond art to reality, since it is in real life rather than on the artistic plane that such contacts are possible." -- (The Theatre in Poland) Leszek Kolankiewicz

"It is not theatre that is indispensable, but something quite different. To cross the frontiers between you and me." -- Jerzy Grotowski (all found at quotes)