Meaning: Isabelle Huppert, a highly acclaimed French actress, reflects on the paradoxical nature of performing in a play in her quote, "Before I do a play I say that I hope it's going to be for as short a time as possible but, once you do it, it is a paradoxical pleasure. One evening out of two there are five minutes of a miracle and for those five minutes you want to do it again and again. It's like a drug." This quote provides insight into the complex and multifaceted experience of being a stage performer. Huppert's words convey the conflicting emotions and addictive allure that come with the act of performing in a play.

The initial sentiment expressed by Huppert, where she hopes for the play to be as short as possible, suggests a certain apprehension or reluctance towards the commitment and demands of a theatrical production. This sentiment may stem from the intense preparation, rehearsal process, and the pressure of live performance. The anticipation of the unknown and the potential challenges that come with it can contribute to a sense of trepidation before embarking on a new play.

However, Huppert's description of the actual experience of performing reveals a different dimension to her feelings. She describes the pleasure derived from the moments of transcendence that occur during the performance – "One evening out of two there are five minutes of a miracle." These moments of artistic magic, where everything comes together perfectly, can be incredibly fulfilling and exhilarating for a performer. Huppert's use of the word "miracle" suggests the rarity and preciousness of these instances, adding to their significance in the overall experience of performing in a play.

The comparison of these fleeting moments to a drug highlights the addictive nature of the performing arts. The intense rush and euphoria that accompany those five minutes of brilliance can create a powerful craving for more. This analogy also captures the potent hold that the stage and the act of performing can have on an individual. The adrenaline, emotional connection, and the immediate feedback from the audience can create a profound and addictive high for performers, propelling them to seek out that experience repeatedly.

Huppert's quote encapsulates the dichotomy of emotions that actors often experience – the initial apprehension and desire for brevity versus the seductive pull of the moments of artistic transcendence. It also speaks to the addictive nature of the performing arts, where the pursuit of those fleeting moments of perfection becomes a driving force for many actors.

In conclusion, Isabelle Huppert's quote provides a window into the complex emotional landscape of a stage performer. It captures the conflicting feelings of trepidation and exhilaration that come with the territory, as well as the addictive allure of those rare moments of artistic magic. Huppert's words resonate with anyone involved in the performing arts, offering a poignant reflection on the paradoxical pleasure and addictive nature of the stage.