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We talk about theatre museums filled with old costumes and things. What we also need is a theatre museum of the old routines on videotape. We are only the custodians of those techniques, and they should be preserved.

I would like to do things like I did in Tanzania, going somewhere and exploring a theme and investigating as well as performing for those people.

African art is functional, it serves a purpose. It's not a dormant. It's not a means to collect the largest cheering section. It should be healing, a source a joy. Spreading positive vibrations.

I love antique architecture, so if I have any indulgences, I have owned and renovated and reconstructed a lot of old houses.

I have long been active in and supportive of conservation and historical preservation causes.

I don't need to be asking for money for local museums and other projects just to make me look good back home.

I have long been interested in exploring and advancing the valuable relationships between the arts and society.

I helped found Artists for New South Africa, but it used to be called Artists for Free South Africa. Alfre Woodard and a bunch of us started this.

The Smithsonian museums are among this country's most endearing treasures and I look forward to helping maintain and enhance their coveted works of art.

We did major work at the White House. But what people often don't understand is that when you do a historic restoration, you can't just do whatever you want. You work alongside the fine-arts commission and are obliged to create a replica of the past, as close as humanly possible. It's a historic institution, not a showhouse.