A dancer, actress, activist, and writer, Maya Angelou (1928-2014) was committed—as one observer here puts it—to living a "life on the stage." Directed by Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack, this PBS-aired American Masters documentary examines Angelou's eventful life and the impact that she had on America. Raped at the age of seven by her mother's boyfriend, Angelou became mute for five years. She was sent to live with her grandmother in a small Arkansas town, where she discovered school libraries and reading. After becoming pregnant at age 16, Angelou danced in strip clubs (although she did not disrobe), eventually earning the title of "Miss Calypso." She had a better than average singing voice, and worked her way into stage shows and low-budget films, but money was always a concern. While living in Harlem, Angelou discovered her activist voice, becoming acquainted with James Baldwin, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Although Angelou had written some for the stage, she didn't seriously pursue writing until her friend Jules Feiffer suggested that she write about her life. This led to 1969's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which became a publishing phenomenon, cultural touchstone, and staple of college American literature classes and discussion groups. Angelou talks about the misuse of language, the "curse" of vulgarity (after dressing down Tupac Shakur for his profanity, she humorously confesses that she didn't know Tupac from a six-pack), and, of course, race relations in America. With tributes from Oprah Winfrey, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Common, John Singleton, and others, this film offers a rounded portrait of an African-American feminist and literary pioneer. Extras include behind-the-scenes footage. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)
Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise
(2016) 114 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. ISBN: 978-1-62789-987-1. Volume 32, Issue 3
Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise
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