Fragmented Identity and the Search for Self: An Exploration of Adrienne Kennedy's "Funnyhouse of a Negro"

JOURNAL ARTICLE

Author: P. Prathimashri, Dr. B. Balaji

Keywords: Fragmented identity, Internalized racism, Surrealism, Postcolonialism, Feminist Theatre, Psychological trauma, Multiracial identity, Self-discovery, Avant-garde theatre, African American experience.

Abstract: Adrienne Kennedy's seminal one-act play "Funnyhouse of a Negro" (1964) delves into the complexities of identity, race, and mental fragmentation. Through the protagonist's, Sarah's, surreal and nightmarish world, Kennedy exposes the destructive nature of internalized racism and the fragmented self. This play navigates the tensions between blackness and whiteness, ancestral heritage and cultural disconnection, and the blurring of reality and fantasy. Through Sarah's fractured psyche, Kennedy masterfully critiques the societal pressures that perpetuate self-hatred and disconnection from one's cultural heritage. By employing innovative dramatic structures and language, Kennedy creates a dreamlike atmosphere that mirrors Sarah's inner turmoil, forcing the audience to confront the devastating consequences of internalized racism. "Funny house of a Negro" remains a powerful and thought-provoking work, continuing to resonate with contemporary discussions around identity, race, and mental health. Furthermore, Kennedy's exploration of Sarah's multiracial identity and ancestral lineage illuminates the intersections of racism, sexism, and colonialism. By invoking historical figures like Queen Victoria, Jesus, and Patrice Lumumba, Kennedy underscores the ongoing legacy of colonialism and its impact on individual psyches. This play's avant-garde style and non-linear narrative structure reflect Kennedy's innovative approach to storytelling, challenging traditional notions of identity, culture, and representation.

DOI: 10.22161/ijeel.3.6.8

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