Meaning: The quote by Howard Barker, a prominent British playwright, delves into the essence of theatre and its allure. Barker's words suggest that the beauty of theatre lies in its ability to keep secrets and seduce the audience with the allure of the unknown. He expresses a certain weariness with writers who seek to enlighten the audience with their personal truths, implying that the true power of theatre lies in its enigmatic nature.

Barker's assertion that "we are suffocated by writers who want to enlighten us with their truths" speaks to a broader cultural phenomenon where art and literature are often used as platforms for didacticism and moralizing. In contrast, he highlights the allure of the theatre as being rooted in its mysterious and enigmatic nature. This sentiment reflects the idea that the best art often leaves room for interpretation and invites the audience to engage their imagination and critical thinking skills.

Barker's comparison of theatre to a secret underscores the idea that the most captivating aspects of artistic expression often lie in what is left unsaid or unexplained. The notion of secrets as seductive and universally appealing speaks to the human desire for mystery and the unknown. By framing theatre as a realm of secrets, Barker suggests that it holds a special power to captivate and enthrall its audience.

Furthermore, Barker's assertion that "we all want to share secrets" resonates with the idea that storytelling and the sharing of experiences are fundamental aspects of human communication and connection. The theatre, as a space for the sharing of stories and experiences, taps into this universal human impulse to both keep and reveal secrets. In this sense, the quote encapsulates the dual nature of storytelling, which involves both concealment and revelation.

Barker's perspective on the allure of theatre sheds light on the timeless appeal of the art form. By emphasizing the seductive power of secrets and the allure of the unknown, he invites us to consider the ways in which theatre serves as a space for exploration and discovery. In a world inundated with information and opinions, Barker's words remind us of the enduring power of mystery and the intrinsic appeal of the enigmatic.

In summary, Howard Barker's quote encapsulates a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of theatre and its unique allure. By highlighting the beauty of theatre as rooted in its enigmatic and secretive nature, Barker invites us to reconsider the ways in which art captivates and engages its audience. His words remind us of the timeless appeal of mystery and the power of storytelling to both conceal and reveal, ultimately reinforcing the enduring significance of theatre as a space for exploration and shared human experience.