Why Do You Go (if you go at all)?

Someone recently remarked that people go to the theatre to forget themselves. Though there is some truth in it, I think it's mistranslated. I think people go to the theatre to be in the moment. If 'forgetting' means not thinking or analyzing or filtering, then Yes.

That's certainly my goal when I'm acting: to be present. Character-schmeracter, just let me experience the lines as they come out of my mouth. Other than the exercises and blocking and the memorization and the design and the endless repetition, in the end, all I want is to act and react to what is going on in front of me. The only way an audience can 'be with you' is if you're 'in it' to begin with.