The Hungry Woman

Cherríe Moraga, born on September 25, 1952, in Los Angeles, California, is a distinguished Chicana writer, playwright, poet, essayist, and activist. Moraga was born to a Mexican American mother and an Anglo American father. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles and later earned a master’s degree in feminist writings from San Francisco State University. In 1981, Moraga co-edited the groundbreaking anthology This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color with Gloria Anzaldúa. This collection brought together diverse voices of women of color, addressing the complexities of intersecting identities and systems of oppression. The anthology received critical acclaim, winning the Before Columbus Foundation American Book Award in 1986. Following this, Moraga published her first solo-authored book, Loving in the War Years: lo que nunca pasó por sus labios, in 1983. This collection of essays and poems delved into her experiences as a Chicana lesbian, exploring themes of identity, love, and resistance.

Moraga’s influence extends profoundly into American theater, where she has utilized the stage to explore and challenge societal norms. Her plays—such as The Hungry Woman—often address critical issues such as cultural identity, gender dynamics, and social injustices, providing a platform for marginalized voices.