I respect the fact that a director has studied the text and the road map of work before us, the subtleties, interconnections, underpinnings... His job is to paint the entire picture and knows all the colors that have to be in it.

In this quote, Ruby Dee expresses her respect for the role of a director in the theater or film industry. She acknowledges the director's responsibility to thoroughly study the text, understand the subtleties and interconnections within the work, and create a comprehensive vision for the production. Dee emphasizes that the director’s role goes beyond simply guiding the actors; it involves crafting the entire picture of the performance, from its underpinnings to its final execution. This perspective underscores the director's integral position as both a leader and a creator within a collaborative environment.

Dee compares the director’s job to that of an artist, particularly noting that a director knows "all the colors that have to be in it." This metaphor suggests that, like an artist who selects the right shades to create a meaningful painting, a director must choose the right elements—acting choices, staging, lighting, and sound—to create a cohesive and powerful performance. Her statement speaks to the depth of understanding and vision required to bring a complex production to life, acknowledging that every decision contributes to the whole.

The origin of this quote comes from Ruby Dee’s long and distinguished career in acting, during which she worked with many renowned directors in both theater and film. As an accomplished actress and activist, Dee had a deep respect for the craft of performance and the importance of collaboration between cast and crew. Her comments reflect her understanding of the director's artistic responsibility and the dedication required to create a successful production.

Ultimately, Dee’s quote highlights the director's role as a visionary and a guide, whose understanding of the work's intricacies shapes the final outcome. It serves as a reminder of the complexity involved in producing a performance and the profound respect that an actor or creative professional can have for those who orchestrate the larger vision.