Words... They're innocent, neutral, precise, standing for this, describing that, meaning the other, so if you look after them you can build bridges across incomprehension and chaos. But when they get their corners knocked off, they're no good any more... I don't think writers are sacred, but words are. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones in the right order, you can nudge the world a little or make a poem which children will speak for you when you're dead.

I've never written an original piece for film; all the original things I've done are for the stage.

I'm attracted to the past.

Childhood is Last Chance Gulch for happiness. After that, you know too much.

It takes character to withstand the rigours of indolence.

Theater is a recreation. It can be much more, but unless it's recreation, I don't see the point of it.

It is better to be quotable than to be honest.