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Artists tackle ten existential questions
Peter Sellars is a leading director of theatre and opera. He has curated New Crowned Hope, a festival to celebrate Mozart’s political engagement, on at the Barbican until 12 August (www.barbican.org.uk/newcrownedhope).
Does art make a difference?
Yes, but it is distinct from advertising, which convinces you to buy a new brand of toothpaste. Art works across a whole generation, shaping its attitudes and values. It creates a climate.
Should politics and art mix?
Sadly, politics mixes with everything. Glorious works of art lift you beyond mundane political considerations. But at the moment we have a politics of paralysis, and art can give a little more oxygen to genuine debate.
Is your work for the many or for the few?
I try to do both. One of the reasons I work in opera, which is exclusive on one level, is that you know that all the opinion-makers and decision-takers are in the room. They are a very important group to address.
If you were world leader, what would be your first law?
A law of truth and reconciliation. The west is resting on a whole heap of falsehoods. Governments need to open the files and come clean about what they have been doing. Only then will we be able to move forward.
Who would be your top advisers?
You’d want Nelson Mandela in the room.
What, if anything, would you censor?
Censorship is always self-defeating. To censor something is to promote it.
If you had to banish one public figure, who would it be?
I wouldn’t want to pay them that much attention. It is an honour I refuse to bestow.
What are the rules that you live by?
Everything I do as a director is collaborative, so it’s based on creating an atmosphere where people can meet and work. That means listening. Listening saves lives!
Do you love your country?
Deeply. Which is why I criticise it in public. That is one of our rights, and it means you know you are still in a democracy. A measure of how well you know someone is how honest you can be with them. You can only speak frankly if there is a lot of love.
Are we all doomed?
No way. Life isn’t that easy. We have to wake up every morning and get things done.
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