In Australia, they set up a special fund to kick films off. It was quite an enlightened sort of move. You could go to this government bureau with scripts and and get finance for films.

At HBO, they seem to be well-informed. They make what I think are really quite mature films.

The music of the most popular operas is so highly esteemed, it can stand endless revivals.

When I was 24 I went to Nigeria and it was such a culture shock, growing up in Australia and suddenly being the only white man in this unit full of black men.

Directing an opera is similar to directing a play. The singing must not get in the way of the drama.

In my view, the operas of Carlisle Floyd will find a place in the permanent repertoire.

On stage, the audience watches from a fixed viewpoint and the director cannot retake something he doesn't like. It has to work straight through.