I prefer to choose which traditions to keep and which to let go.

Right up to the middle of this century all perceptions of the world around us were delivered via the bookshelf or the paper route.

Retiring' - within that word is 'tiring,' and I'm not tired. I don't believe in retirement, really.

As an artist I have an even more abiding interest in the compact between the Arts and Government.

I refuse to do shows that are narrowly constructed, that appeal to only one sentiment. I do a lot of Jewish material in front of non-Jews and a lot of non-Jewish material in front of Jews on the simple theory that the non-Jews are entitled to a glimpse of a Jewish world and the Jews are entitled to a glimpse of the world.

We Jews have a special attachment to the Book. The study of page after page in tomes yellowing with age was obligatory.

I am determined to give the Yiddish language a fighting chance to survive.