When you grow up in the church, the only translation in that insular world that people understand is preaching. You're supposed to be a minister. So I was going down that path, and then I saw the Tonys.
Billy PorterRead
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.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of passion and purpose in oneβs work, especially in the creative fields.
Billy Porter's quote reflects the desire for meaningful engagement in work, particularly in the arts. He expresses that by choosing work that resonates with him emotionally, his experience at the theater becomes fulfilling and joyful. This underscores the idea that when individuals are passionate about their work, they are more inclined to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly and find satisfaction in their efforts.
In practice
During a speech about following your passion in life.
When you grow up in the church, the only translation in that insular world that people understand is preaching. You're supposed to be a minister. So I was going down that path, and then I saw the Tonys.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Glass is the most magical of all materials. It transmits light in a special way...Im pleased that my art appeals to so many people of all ages. As a parent and an artist, Im especially looking forward to leaving a legacy at The Childrens Museum, a place where I hope my work brings joy to children who visit from all over the world.
I believe in the nobility of entertaining people and I take great, great pride that people are willing to give me two or three hours of their busy lives.
To sing opera, one needs two things: the voice and the passion - and above all, the passion.
When I'm writing, the darkness is always there. I go where the pain is.
I would feel dead if I didn't have the ability periodically to put my world in order with a poem. I think to be inarticulate is a great suffering, and is especially so to anyone who has a certain knack for poetry.
You know, people speak in poetry all the time. They just don't realize it.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.