First draft of “A Week-end in Austin/A Poet, the People, & the KKK” – dated 21 February 1983; labelled “not proofread” and “express property of Village Voice…”.
I am interested in evidence of Shange’s self-revision and growth in her papers. Much of her archived work includes edits in the margins–notes, highlights, scratches, and communication with editors and readers. These images represent just some of the many edits and revisions in the Shange Papers, and point to just a few examples of her growth as an artist. In particular, she seems to be focused on including more italics here, which may point to themes or language she is hoping to emphasize in this piece, or more broadly at this time in her artistic development. Read More