One of the most incredible and important things about the theater is that we're creating a safe space for all feelings, but especially, ugly feelings.
Branden Jacobs-JenkinsRead
I don't hate people who colour-blind cast, but I hate people who colour-blind cast and pretend that they're not, who pretend that these bodies on stage don't actually carry specific meaning.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote criticizes those who misrepresent diversity in casting while ignoring the deeper implications it carries.
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins expresses a nuanced view on color-blind casting in the theater, indicating that while he does not oppose the practice itself, he has strong reservations about those who engage in it without acknowledging the racial and cultural significance of the performers involved. This highlights the importance of recognizing identity and context in artistic representation, urging a more thoughtful approach to how diversity is portrayed in the arts.
Themes
Color-Blind CastingTheaterRepresentationIdentityDiversity
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on theater practices, one might use this quote to emphasize the need for authenticity in representation.
More from Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
All quotes →I'm not a really firm believer in theatre that is 'about anything.' I don't think theatre can be about anything other than the people who show up and the value that they hold.
Branden Jacobs-JenkinsRead
Family dramas are tough, as a playwright. Most stories are about characters going on a trip or a new character coming to town, because that's how you learn information about them. But with family, they all know each other already. There's years of history in every interaction.
Branden Jacobs-JenkinsRead
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