ABSTRACT
The Crucible
, directed by Nicholas Hytner. What follows is not an interview transcript, but rather text from a letter Mr. Scofield wrote in lieu of the interview that we were unable to schedule.
Fame
Social acceptance for me is not the issue; nor should it be for any kind of artist, functioning as we do outside and beyond the boundaries of what is deemed to be society. The approbation of audiences is another matter; those who visit theatre and cinemas — their appreciation is of the utmost importance because their interest is in our work (or not, as the case may be) rather than in our “images.” My feeling, also, is that, in the States, there is much respect for theatre actors and actresses; but, of course, it is a respect shared by far smaller numbers than those who only wish to see movies. And they are two very separate extensions of drama and comedy, with only the adhesive of the actor and the writer to bind them together. As for me, I love theatre as being my life, but excursions from that life into work in movies is also a vital experience and a refreshment.
