If the arts are held up solely as a means of social insight, fantasy is denied the chance to be commonplace and reality the chance to be exotic.

In this quote, Richard Eyre argues that if the arts are viewed only through the lens of providing social insight, they lose their ability to explore other dimensions, such as fantasy and reality. He suggests that when art is solely focused on representing societal issues or providing commentary on the social world, it limits its potential to present fantasy as something familiar and reality as something exotic. Eyre is pointing out the importance of allowing the arts to maintain their diverse functions, including entertainment, imagination, and the exploration of the unfamiliar.

The meaning behind the quote is about the versatility of art and its ability to encompass both fantasy and reality. Eyre warns against restricting art to a purely educational or social role, as this would prevent the exploration of imaginative worlds or the reimagining of reality in unexpected ways. The arts, in his view, should have the freedom to show the ordinary as extraordinary and the extraordinary as ordinary, thus expanding our understanding and experience of both.

The origin of the quote can be traced to Eyre's perspective as a renowned British theater director and producer. Throughout his career, Eyre has been involved in creating works that balance both the social and fantastical aspects of storytelling. His experience in theater and film has shaped his belief in the multifaceted nature of art, which should be allowed to explore not only social commentary but also abstract, fantastical realms.

Ultimately, Eyre’s words emphasize that the arts should not be confined to a single purpose, such as social reflection, but should also leave room for creativity, imagination, and the transformation of the mundane into something more intriguing. His quote champions the idea that art should have the freedom to explore both realism and fantasy, offering audiences a wider spectrum of experiences and perspectives.