Edward Bond: 'Fifteen years ago I walked out of a production of one of my plays at the RSC because I decided it was a waste of time.'

Fifteen years ago I walked out of a production of one of my plays at the RSC because I decided it was a waste of time.

The quote by Edward Bond, where he recounts walking out of a production of one of his plays at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) because he deemed it a waste of time, carries significant meaning and importance in the realm of artistic creation. It portrays a moment of self-awareness and realization on the part of the playwright, realizing that his own work, as interpreted by others, may not align with his original intentions or vision. This assertion by Bond emphasizes the autonomy of creators, their right to disassociate themselves from interpretations that they perceive as lacking in fidelity to their original artistic intent. However, this quote also presents an intriguing opportunity to delve into a philosophical concept known as Death of the Author, shedding light on the complex relationship between the creator, their work, and the audience.The straightforward interpretation of Bond's quote acknowledges the significance of an artist's personal agency and intuition in evaluating their own creations. By walking out of the production, Bond exhibited a courageous act of distancing himself from a presentation of his work that did not meet his standards, suggesting that an artist's responsibility extends beyond the mere act of creation. It is important for artists, such as playwrights, to have a voice in the interpretation and execution of their work, ensuring that it conveys their intended message and retains artistic integrity. Bond's decision represents a call for artists to maintain control over their creative output, challenging them to actively participate in the process of bringing their work to life.Nevertheless, delving deeper into the philosophical concept of Death of the Author presents an unexpected angle to understand Bond's quote. Coined by French literary critic Roland Barthes, this concept argues that once a work of art is released into the world, the author's intentions and interpretations become secondary to the readers' or viewers' unique experiences and perceptions. In this sense, the autonomy of the creator is decentered, and meaning is constructed through the interaction between the audience and the artwork itself. Applying this concept to Bond's quote invites us to consider whether his decision to walk out of the production is an act in line with the Death of the Author philosophy or whether it represents a contradictory stance.Ultimately, the Death of the Author concept sheds light on the subjective nature of artistic interpretation and highlights the diverse perspectives that can arise from a single creation. The disjunction between an artist's intention and the audience's reception is not necessarily indicative of a failure on either side, but rather an acknowledgment of the infinite possibilities inherent in art. While Bond's decision to walk out of the RSC production reflects his dissatisfaction with the interpretation presented, it is essential to recognize that his perspective is just one among many, and the play might have resonated deeply with other viewers.In conclusion, Edward Bond's quote about walking out of the production of his play at the RSC carries a straightforward message of an artist asserting their agency and artistic vision. However, introducing the concept of Death of the Author adds a layer of complexity and invites us to consider the intricate relationship between the artist, their work, and the audience. This philosophical perspective challenges our understanding of authorial intent and highlights the multifaceted nature of artistic interpretation. Ultimately, it encourages a more nuanced approach to appreciating the diverse range of viewpoints and experiences that arise from engaging with a work of art.