Meaning: This quote by Ralph Richardson, a renowned English actor, provides a vivid metaphor for the challenge of keeping a performance fresh and engaging through numerous repetitions. Richardson compares the process of performing a role multiple times to that of a refrigerator, emphasizing the need to maintain freshness and vitality despite the repetitive nature of the task. This comparison offers insight into the mental and emotional demands of acting, as well as the dedication required to deliver a compelling performance each time.

In this quote, Richardson emphasizes the repetition involved in performing a role, highlighting the need to embody a character consistently over a significant number of performances. The notion of performing a role "hundreds of times" underscores the rigorous and demanding nature of the acting profession. It speaks to the discipline and perseverance required to deliver a convincing and captivating portrayal, regardless of the number of times the role is enacted.

The metaphor of a "large, madly humming, demented refrigerator" adds a layer of complexity to Richardson's statement. The image of a refrigerator, typically associated with preserving and maintaining freshness, is juxtaposed with the descriptors "large," "madly humming," and "demented," creating a sense of chaos and intensity. This juxtaposition suggests that the process of keeping a performance fresh and engaging can be both challenging and frenetic, requiring a balance between consistency and spontaneity.

The use of the word "large" in the metaphor may allude to the expansive nature of the task at hand, implying that the challenge of maintaining a performance's freshness is significant in scope. The adjective "madly" conveys a sense of fervor and urgency, suggesting the fervent effort required to sustain the vitality of a role. Meanwhile, the term "demented" introduces an element of unpredictability and irrationality, hinting at the mental and emotional strain that can accompany the repeated performance of a role.

Furthermore, the choice of a household appliance as the basis for the metaphor is noteworthy. Refrigerators are emblematic of preservation, suggesting the need to uphold the essential qualities and nuances of a character throughout numerous performances. At the same time, the metaphorical refrigerator is portrayed as "madly humming" and "demented," implying a sense of agitation and disarray that challenges the conventional notion of preservation. This juxtaposition captures the dynamic tension between consistency and innovation that actors must navigate to infuse each performance with renewed vitality.

Overall, Richardson's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on the enduring challenge of maintaining freshness and vibrancy in repeated performances. It underscores the dedication and artistry required of actors to sustain the essence of a character while infusing each rendition with renewed energy and authenticity. By likening the process to that of a "large, madly humming, demented refrigerator," Richardson poignantly captures the intricate balance between constancy and innovation that defines the craft of acting.