Meaning: Linda Lavin, a renowned actress, offers a compelling insight into the life of a performer with her quote, "Once you have the pattern of life of this person, the choreography, so to speak, you have the canvas that you present eight times a week, not without feeling underneath it, but it's not as churning as the discovery process was." This quote encapsulates the essence of the actor's experience in portraying a character repeatedly on stage. Let's delve deeper into the meaning and implications of this profound statement.

In essence, Linda Lavin is referring to the process of embodying a character in a theatrical production. The "pattern of life" she mentions alludes to the deep understanding and familiarity an actor develops with their character over time. This involves delving into the character's motivations, history, emotions, and behavioral patterns to create a multi-dimensional portrayal. The term "choreography" in this context refers to the carefully orchestrated movements, gestures, and interactions that form the character's physical and emotional presence on stage.

Lavin's use of the word "canvas" suggests that once an actor has internalized the nuances of their character, they possess a foundation upon which to build their performance. The character becomes the canvas on which the actor paints their emotions, expressions, and dialogue, presenting it to the audience eight times a week. This repetition, while not devoid of emotional investment, becomes a more familiar and structured process compared to the initial discovery phase.

Furthermore, the mention of "not without feeling underneath it" acknowledges that even after establishing the pattern of the character's life, each performance is infused with genuine emotion and depth. Despite the routine nature of presenting the character multiple times, the actor continues to infuse the portrayal with authenticity, ensuring that the emotional core remains intact.

One can interpret Lavin's words as a reflection of the actor's journey from discovery to mastery. The initial process of delving into a character, understanding their psyche, and finding the nuances that bring them to life is described as "churning." This evokes a sense of intense exploration, emotional labor, and creative energy that goes into shaping the character.

However, once the actor has internalized the character's essence and established the patterns of their life, the process becomes more structured and familiar. The repetition of performances allows the actor to refine and deepen their portrayal, drawing from the foundation they have built through the discovery process.

It's important to note that Lavin's quote also sheds light on the emotional and psychological aspects of the actor's experience. The continuous presentation of a character can evoke a range of feelings – from a sense of fulfillment in perfecting the portrayal to the challenge of maintaining emotional authenticity over multiple performances.

In conclusion, Linda Lavin's quote provides valuable insight into the actor's journey in bringing a character to life on stage. It encapsulates the evolution from the intense process of discovery to the structured presentation of a well-established character. It also acknowledges the ongoing emotional investment and commitment required to breathe life into a character, even as the performance becomes a familiar routine. Lavin's words serve as a testament to the depth of artistry and dedication that actors bring to their craft, offering audiences a glimpse into the complexities of the performer's experience.