Fantasy, Creation, and Mechanics

Abstract

PEOPLE are always asking me to tell them something of the tendencies of the modern theatre: as if it were possible for anyone to account for the countless manifestations of a form of expression that is anything but scientific! To ask such a question is to show a lamentable ignorance of art, for never has it been possible to indicate the tendencies and evolution of any form of art that was in any way worthy of the name. I do not say that the theatre, as understood in some countries to‐day, does not reveal certain marked tendencies, but I am certain that any theatre that deliberately sets out with any given tendency is doomed to failure. I am a sworn enemy of tendencies or schools of thought. Artistic creation must be born spontaneously. It must spring unconsciously from the mind and the creative artist must never know what he is striving after. Art is a work of fantasy. It is elfin and wayward. It follows no masters and has no axe to grind. If the dramatist ever attempts to utilise the stage as a pulpit he is doomed to failure, for art always exacts a heavy toll from any man who thus prostitutes it.

Citation

PIRANDELLO, L. (1931), "Fantasy, Creation, and Mechanics", Library Review, Vol. 3 No. 4, pp. 176-178. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb011938