I've done two 'Hamlets,' two 'Lears,' three 'Midsummer Night's Dreams' - I've done most of these plays more than once, and every time I direct them, I learn things.

The quote by Jack O'Brien reflects the continuous learning and growth that comes with directing classic Shakespearean plays. O'Brien, a renowned theater director, emphasizes that even though he has directed iconic plays like "Hamlet," "King Lear," and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" multiple times, each experience provides new insights. His words suggest that the deeper one delves into these timeless works, the more they reveal, regardless of how many times they are approached.

O'Brien's statement highlights the evolving nature of directing and interpreting Shakespeare's works. Directing these plays isn’t a static process; instead, each production brings out different aspects of the script, depending on the cast, setting, or the director’s evolving perspective. This reflects the idea that great works of art, like Shakespeare's, are multi-dimensional and can be re-interpreted with every staging, offering new discoveries each time they are revisited.

The quote also underscores the concept of repeated engagement with a piece of art. Through repetition, O’Brien gains a deeper understanding of the characters, themes, and the complexities of the plays themselves. For O’Brien, directing is an ongoing process of learning, where each new interpretation or approach opens up fresh ideas and interpretations. This reinforces the notion that the more one engages with a text or performance, the more one can uncover, even if it’s something seemingly obvious at first glance.

Ultimately, O'Brien's quote speaks to the timeless relevance of Shakespeare’s works and the personal growth that comes with repeated engagement with them. It suggests that there’s always something new to be learned from these classic plays, not only about the text itself but also about how we connect with it through the lens of experience and perspective. Each new production offers an opportunity to discover something fresh and insightful.