When publicizing her interview with Barbra Streisand, Barbara Walters told the press that Streisand agreed to the interview as a “deliberate plan to be more accessible.”
This was Walter's second interview with Streisand. “This was the first time I felt I could ask her anything, and I did,” said Walters. “She was open and easy, not as fearful of people. I think it's partly the result of therapy, partly a spiritual awareness. She feels it's the time in her life to be more in touch, and shed a lot of the past. She doesn't want so many houses, so many possessions.”
First thing in the interview, Barbara and Barbra visited Christie's Auction House and looked at the furniture and collectibles that Streisand had put up for auction. “I'm trying to simplify my life,” Streisand explained.
For their sit-down interview, Christie's decorated a hotel room in early American antiques.
Streisand explained how she had changed since their last interview. “I'd rather read newspapers now than scripts,” she said. “I'm more interested in the real world rather than the world of make-believe.”
Barbara Walters was anxious to know why Streisand was planning on returning to the concert stage in Las Vegas for two shows at the end of 1993. “There are many reasons,” Streisand responded. “I think it's a challenge. I think my fans, the public, they want to see me perform. It's almost like it's something they feel I withhold from them, and, in a way, maybe I was. I've also given up a certain part of my perfectionism. In other words, I cannot be perfect.”
As for a world tour, Streisand said, “I wanna see how I like doing this, take two nights at a time. If I like it, I might do that, because it's a way of touching people and have them touch me.” [Note: Streisand went on a North American concert tour
and also performed in London in 1994.]
Walters:
Do you think you're good looking?
Streisand:
At times I think I am.
Walters:
Sexy?
Streisand:
At times.
Walters:
Pretty?
Streisand:
Mmm, at moments.
In the second half of the interview, Walters asks Streisand again about her reputation for being controlling. “I think that because I can't control life, I can't control people, I can control my art,” Streisand explained.
Walters asked whether Barbra would like to be married again. “You know, why do you keep asking this question? You asked me this in 1985,” Streisand laughed. Then she said, “I think all people, including me, want to connect.”
Walters:
So the answer is yes, maybe?
Streisand:
No, it's not a maybe. The answer is ‘of course.’ I believe in marriage and the institution of marriage.
Walters:
You've waited a long time.
Streisand:
It hasn't been right yet.
