"It's not that Shakespeare is frivolous, but you spend your time just getting people to dress up in other people's costumes and pretending to be people that they're not, and you think, after the years go by, well, what on earth was all that about?"

In this quote, Jonathan Miller reflects on the nature and purpose of theater, particularly with recommendation to William Shakespeare's works. What Miller seems to communicate is a reflective uncertainty about the creative endeavor of theater and acting. His words recommend a two-fold assessment: a gratitude of the craft and its apparent superficiality.

First of all, Miller acknowledges that Shakespeare's work is not "frivolous", implying a recognition of its intellectual and cultural value. Shakespeare is renowned for his profound expedition of human nature, complex characters, and skillful language. His works have persisted over centuries, influencing literature, theater, and even modern-day psychology. There's an intrinsic richness in the narratives and themes that continue to resonate with audiences today.

However, Miller juxtaposes this appreciation with an important lens on the procedure of theater--"getting individuals to dress up in other individuals's costumes and pretending to be individuals that they're not". Here, he appears to be talking about the ephemeral and possibly illusory nature of acting. The essence of theater involves stars assuming functions and creating realities that do not exist outside the efficiency. There is a layer of artifice in storytelling, and Miller questions whether this undertaking might be thought about a diversion from substantive reality.

Miller's consideration, "what on earth was all that about?" signals an existential query. It suggests a reflection on the long-lasting significance or impact of theatrical art. Regardless of the brief and constructed nature of theatrical experiences, these moments have the potential to evoke introspection, stir feelings, and provoke idea, which may be the essence of their long-lasting power.

In conclusion, Miller's quote invites the audience to review the double nature of theater: its extensive capability to enhance human experience while recognizing the intrinsic artifice of the craft. It challenges both creators and audiences to consider the much deeper purpose and meaning behind engaging with art, especially as years pass and one contemplates the cumulative impact of such experiences.