I want to do work that means something to me so that when I go to work at the theater eight times a week, I want to be there.
Billy PorterRead
I grew up when one of America's greatest black playwrights, August Wilson, was writing about life in Pittsburgh, but I never saw myself in any of his straight-male plays. And then I see 'Angels,' which was so honest and painful, and it had this black drag queen in it, Belize, with a big heart. I finally had a character to relate to.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the importance of representation in art and media.
Billy Porter reflects on his experience of growing up and not seeing himself represented in the works of prominent playwright August Wilson. He emphasizes the significance of finding relatable characters in art, particularly through the character Belize in 'Angels,' which resonated with his own identity and experiences, thereby acknowledging the broader impact of representation in storytelling.
Themes
RepresentationIdentityArtStoriesCharacters
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about diversity in theater, this quote could be used to illustrate the need for diverse characters.
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I took 'Grease' to play my trump card, my voice, and get attention that would lead to auditions for serious work like 'Angels in America.' But I backed myself into a corner with 'Grease,' and it took me 17 years to get out.
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I was fine being in the closet at the beginning of my career because that's what you were supposed to be - until I realized that it didn't serve anybody, and I was left feeling utterly empty. This is who I am, so I've gotta be me.
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For me, I really feel like if there's not a real, true connection to the material, I don't need to sing it. I don't need to sing songs just because I like them anymore. I've done that.
Billy PorterRead
There was a time in the '90s where, as an African-American man, you had to be a misogynistic R&B star or a rapper, and I didn't fit into either one of those. I was advised by my label to remain closeted at that time.
Billy PorterRead
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