"I happen to love working in cinema, but the theater is always there... you know, and I would never shut the door on it. Even though it's been quite a bit of time since I've done a play, last one was in New York"

Michael York expresses a deep appreciation for both cinema and theater, highlighting the nuanced relationship an actor may have with each medium. He acknowledges a passion for film, suggesting that working in cinema brings him joy and fulfillment. However, his words convey that theater holds a perennial and special place in his artistic journey. The phrase "the theater is always there" encapsulates the enduring, almost steadfast nature of stage performance, as though the opportunities and emotions tied to the theater are ever-present, irrespective of current engagements.

York’s remark about never shutting the door on theater demonstrates an openness to returning to the stage, no matter how much time has passed. This suggests a sense of loyalty or even reverence for theater, seeing it not as something to be left behind, but as a creative home to which he can always return. It speaks to the notion that the theater is timeless, offering a unique experience that remains accessible, comforting, and inviting throughout an actor's career.

By noting the passage of time since his last play, and pinpointing it to a specific memory in New York, York subtly alludes to the inevitable shifts in an actor’s path, choices, opportunities, and changes that may draw one away from the theater, but never erase its importance. The specific mention of New York, a city synonymous with vibrant theatrical tradition, adds weight to the nostalgia and significance attached to his experiences there.

York articulates an artist’s continual balancing act between different forms of storytelling. His affection for cinema does not come at the expense of his appreciation for theater; rather, they coexist, each offering distinct rewards. He ultimately underscores a respect for the craft in all its variations, the value of keeping creative avenues open, and a humility in recognizing the lasting, welcoming nature of theater in an actor’s life.