By Maria Bregman
What does it take to be a diva? Is it a talent, a personality, a lifestyle, or a combination of all three? And why is being a diva often seen as a negative trait, especially for women?
The word “diva” comes from Latin, meaning “goddess”. It was originally used to describe the leading female singers of the opera world, who were revered for their divine voices and charisma. Some of the earliest divas, such as Adelina Patti and Jenny Lind, were also pioneers of celebrity culture, commanding high fees, attracting huge crowds, and living lavishly.
But somewhere along the way, the term “diva” acquired a darker shade of meaning. It became associated with being demanding, difficult, and drama-loving. It implied a sense of entitlement, arrogance, and selfishness. It suggested that a diva was someone who cared more about her own image and ego than her art and audience.
This negative stereotype of the diva has been perpetuated by the media, which often portrays female performers as spoiled, temperamental, and unreasonable. Think of the tabloid stories about Mariah Carey’s alleged requests for kittens and confetti, or Jennifer Lopez’s supposed demands for a white dressing room. These stories reinforce the idea that being a diva is something to be ashamed of, rather than celebrated.
But there is another way to look at the diva. A way that recognizes her as a powerful, creative, and inspiring figure. A way that celebrates her for her fabulousness, flamboyance, and fierceness. A way that reclaims the diva as a positive term that honors the achievements, challenges, and contributions of female performers across genres and generations.
This is the way that a new exhibition at the V&A in London, called DIVA, aims to present the diva. The exhibition, which runs until April 2024, features over 200 objects related to some of the most iconic divas of stage, screen, and music, from Marilyn Monroe to Madonna, from Tina Turner to Beyoncé, from Edith Piaf to Dame Shirley Bassey.
The exhibition showcases the costumes, accessories, and memorabilia that reveal the diva’s style, glamour, and personality. It also explores the stories, struggles, and successes that shaped the diva’s career, identity, and legacy. It highlights the diva’s role as a cultural influencer, a social activist, and a trailblazer for women’s rights and representation.
The exhibition invites us to rethink the definition of the diva, and to appreciate the diversity and complexity of the diva’s experience. It also invites us to embrace the diva within ourselves, and to celebrate our own talents, passions, and ambitions.
Being a diva is not a bad thing. It is a good thing. It is a way of being confident, expressive, and authentic. It is a way of being bold, brave, and brilliant. It is a way of being a goddess.
So go ahead, be a diva. And be proud of it.
