My conception of the audience is of a public each member of which is carrying about with him what he thinks is an anxiety, or a hope, or a preoccupation which is his alone and isolates him from mankind; and in this respect at least the function of a play is to reveal him to himself so that he may touch others by virtue of the revelation of his mutuality with them. If only for this reason I regard the theater as a serious business, one that makes or should make man more human, which is to say, less alone.

Summary

In this quote, the author expresses their belief that the audience consists of individuals who each carry their own unique concerns, desires, or problems, ultimately isolating themselves from others. The purpose of a play, according to the author, is to reveal to each audience member their own shared experiences and emotions, allowing them to connect with and empathize with others. The author considers theater a significant endeavor because it has the power to make individuals more humane and lessen their sense of loneliness by fostering a sense of mutual understanding and connection among people.

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