In this statement, Ntozake Shange describes her experiences as an artist facing financial pressure and intense criticism due to her work. She highlights how people often expected her to provide financial assistance or support, which can be particularly challenging for someone who devotes their life to creative pursuits. Additionally, she mentions the fear-inducing backlash from individuals who felt threatened by certain controversial elements within her play "for colored girls."
The deeper meaning of this quote reveals a broader context about the challenges faced by artists, especially those from marginalized communities. Shange's statement touches on how artistic expression that addresses social and political issues can attract both support and opposition. The controversy inherent in her work likely stems from its unapologetic portrayal of the lived experiences of African American women, which resonates strongly with many but also provokes defensiveness or hostility among those who feel implicated by the critique. This quote encapsulates the dual struggles that artists often face: the financial strain and the emotional toll of navigating a hostile environment where their work is both celebrated and maligned.
Ntozake Shange, born in 1940, was an influential American playwright, poet, novelist, and essayist. She is best known for her play "for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf," which premiered off-Broadway in 1975 and went on to achieve international acclaim. Shange's work often explores themes of race, gender, and identity, using a unique blend of poetry and drama that has influenced countless artists and activists worldwide.
