Meaning: Mary Pickford, a pioneering actress in the early days of cinema, once said, "Make them laugh, make them cry, and hack to laughter. What do people go to the theatre for? An emotional exercise. I am a servant of the people. I have never forgotten that." This quote encapsulates the essence of the performing arts and the profound impact they have on audiences.

In this quote, Mary Pickford highlights the power of entertainment to evoke strong emotions in people. She emphasizes the role of performers as servants of the audience, whose primary responsibility is to engage and move them emotionally. The phrase "make them laugh, make them cry, and hack to laughter" encapsulates the full spectrum of human emotions that the performing arts aim to evoke.

The first part of the quote, "Make them laugh, make them cry," speaks to the fundamental purpose of theater, film, and other forms of performance art. Laughter and tears are universal expressions of joy and sorrow, and they reflect the depth of human experience. By eliciting these emotions, performers have the ability to connect with their audience on a deeply personal level, engaging them in a shared emotional journey.

The phrase "hack to laughter" suggests a cyclical nature of emotions, indicating that the audience should be taken on a rollercoaster of feelings, from sadness to joy and back again. This speaks to the cathartic nature of storytelling and performance, allowing audiences to experience a release of emotions and ultimately find solace and laughter even in the face of adversity.

Mary Pickford's assertion that people go to the theater for "an emotional exercise" underscores the transformative power of the performing arts. Whether it's a live stage production or a film screening, audiences seek out these experiences to be emotionally engaged, challenged, and ultimately enriched by the stories they witness. The theater becomes a space for introspection, empathy, and connection as individuals confront the full range of human emotions within a safe and controlled environment.

As a trailblazing actress in the early days of cinema, Mary Pickford understood the profound impact that performers can have on their audiences. Her statement reinforces the idea that the performing arts are not just a form of entertainment, but a vital means of connecting with and serving the public. By recognizing herself as a servant of the people, Pickford acknowledges the responsibility and privilege that comes with being a performer, as well as the potential to positively influence and inspire those who engage with her work.

In conclusion, Mary Pickford's quote encapsulates the deep emotional impact of the performing arts and the profound connection between performers and audiences. It reminds us that the power of entertainment lies in its ability to evoke laughter, tears, and ultimately, a sense of shared humanity. As we continue to engage with the performing arts, whether as creators or spectators, we are reminded of the enduring truth in Pickford's words: that the emotional exercise of the theater is a vital and transformative experience for all involved.