My Dinner with Andre 1981

Struggling playwright Wally, portrayed by Wallace Shawn, feels an overwhelming sense of dread as he prepares for a dinner with his old acquaintance Andre, played by Andre Gregory. This is not just any dinner; it’s been a long time since Wally last engaged with Andre, who has been on an extensive spiritual journey since departing from his theater directing career in 1975. This journey has led Andre into realms of synchronicity, eastern spirituality, a near-death experience, and ventures into utopian communes.

Within the elegant settings of a New York restaurant, Andre begins to recount some of his outlandish adventures since their last meeting. He shares stories about his time working with the influential director Jerzy Grotowski and a group of Polish actors amidst the serene woods of Poland, his travels to the Sahara to craft a play inspired by The Little Prince by Saint-Exupéry, and his explorations at Findhorn in Scotland. One particularly memorable episode he describes is organizing Halloween-themed experiences with friends, which included a striking activity where participants were momentarily buried alive.

As the conversation unfolds, Andre explains that these escapades were vital for him to awaken from a mundane existence and discover what it means to be human. However, Wally counters this perspective, expressing that such a lifestyle is unattainable for the average person. He finds joy in simpler, more commonplace pleasures, such as enjoying a hot cup of coffee or curling up under his new electric blanket. Andre, however, warns that an excessive focus on comfort could lead to perilous complacency, suggesting that what many consider a “normal” life in New York during the late 1970s is, in fact, merely a dream, rather than true reality.

Despite the contrasting views, both friends engage in an honest dialogue, allowing their individual thoughts to breathe freely. As the night advances and the restaurant empties, they ultimately part ways on amicable terms. With Andre graciously picking up the tab for dinner, Wally indulges himself in a taxi ride home, feeling a profound connection to the familiar sights he observes along the journey. Upon arriving home, he excitedly shares the details of his enlightening dinner with Andre to his girlfriend, eager to express the impact of their conversations.