Statement of Principles Summary and Analysis

This last section is a statement of principles that Grotowski intended for internal use within his Laboratory. Grotowski lays some very broad premises/theories.

Civilization involves a donning of masks, people hiding motives and feelings. Theatre seeks to discard these masks and reveal the "real substance." Theatre therefore has a therapeutic function. At the core of theatre is the actor; he needs no elaborate stage gimmicks, make-up, costumes, or complex lighting effects to make his art. The actor's performance is an invitation to the spectator. Through the "total act," the actor achieves a sort of transcendent integration with the spectator.

Art is practiced to break down limitations, to free ourselves, to refuse the lies we daily make for ourselves. In short, art is fulfillment.

The actor must have courage, the type of courage necessary to reveal himself...