Meaning: This quote by Judd Hirsch encapsulates the profound responsibility that actors and productions have to deeply affect their audience. It highlights the crucial role of emotional impact in theater and the standards that performers and productions must strive to meet. Judd Hirsch, a highly esteemed actor known for his work in theater, film, and television, shares his belief in the transformative power of the theatrical experience and the necessity of evoking genuine emotions in the audience.

The quote emphasizes the essential connection between the audience's emotional response and the success of a play and its production. Hirsch's words underscore the idea that the ultimate goal of theater is to move and deeply affect its viewers. If the audience is not emotionally impacted by the conclusion of the play, then it can be seen as a failure on multiple levels: the actor's performance, the play itself, and the overall production. This sentiment reflects the high standards and aspirations that artists in the theatrical world strive to achieve.

Furthermore, the quote highlights the intrinsic link between the emotional resonance of a performance and the purpose of creating theater. Hirsch suggests that if a production fails to elicit a meaningful emotional response, then it calls into question the very reason for engaging in the creative process. This speaks to the fundamental nature of theater as a medium for evoking and sharing human emotions, experiences, and stories. It underscores the idea that theater should seek to provoke introspection, empathy, and a profound impact on its audience.

In essence, Judd Hirsch's quote serves as a reminder of the profound significance of emotional connection and impact in the world of theater. It underscores the critical role of evoking genuine emotions in the audience as a measure of success for both the actors and the production as a whole. The quote also conveys the deep commitment and responsibility that artists have in creating meaningful and affecting theatrical experiences for their audiences.

Overall, this quote by Judd Hirsch encapsulates the deep-seated belief in the transformative power of theater and the importance of touching the hearts and minds of the audience. It serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional and artistic aspirations that drive the theatrical world and the profound responsibility that artists have in creating impactful and resonant performances.