“There is no public more difficult to please than that composed of a society satisfied with itself. There can be nothing new because everything is already known by them or their kind, and any sharing, emotional or otherwise, is reserved for this ‘in’ group. Any sign of enthusiasm is considered ill-bred unless by some automatic response the enthusiasm becomes an expression of herd reaction or follow-the-leader or group solidarity. I have seen audiences hold back on applause, squirm with a desire to express pleasure, but suppress this desire until dynamited into action by some catalyst, some force too strong to resist. This sort of public usually attends gala or special performances to be seen by friends whom they have attempted to outdo in dress or decoration, to be identified with things of ‘culture,’ or because of simple curiosity about the performers. Many times I have smiled into binoculars, even field glasses pointed into the stage from the front row and marveled at the need to penetrate the performer, not by what he imparted, but by drawing him into the orbit of a magnifying lens.“
from Island Possessed by Katherine Dunham
