Presented and Produced by the Department of Theatre and Dance, the Women's Culture Series, and Ross Commons
Wendy Wasserstein was a playwright, a novelist, a screenwriter, and an essayist. During her career, she authored eleven plays, four books and two screenplays. Her plays include Uncommon Women and Others, The Sisters Rosensweig, Isn’t It Romantic, An American Daughter, Old Money, and her most recent work, Third. In 1989, Wasserstein received the Tony Award for Best Play, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the Outer Critics Circle Award, the Drama Desk Award, and the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for her play The Heidi Chronicles. She also received an Outer Critics Circle Award for her play The Sisters Rosenweig in 1993 and in the same year received the William Inge Award for Distinguished Achievement in American Theatre. In 2007, Wendy Wasserstein was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame. As one of the most incisive cultural commentators, particularly on the role of women in the decades of the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and through the turn of the century, Wasserstein’s voice will be sorely missed.
The following events provide a broad picture of the woman and her work, and will culminate in the November 15-17 production of The Heidi Chronicles.
Wednesday 11/7/07
Screening: Trial by Media
7:30 P.M., McCardell Bicentennial Hall, Room 219
In this film version of Wasserstein’s play “An American Daughter," protagonist Dr. Lyssa Dent Hughes (Christine Lahti)seems to have it all: a loving husband, smart kids, a lovely home, a politically prominent father, a highly successful career, and now a nomination to become U.S. Surgeon General. However, when the media gets a hold of a small indiscretion in her past, Lyssa suddenly becomes the center of a national controversy. Wasserstein explores friendship, betrayal, a woman’s struggle to balance career and family, and making choices. Free
Friday 11/9/07
"Uncommon Women and The Heidi Chronicles in Historical Context"
12:30 P.M., Mahaney Center for the Arts, Room 232
Public talk by Wasserstein scholar Jan Balakian, Professor of English, Kean University, followed by student response “Why Wendy, Why Now?” presented by Feminist Action at Middlebury, featuring FAM members Aaron Gensler ’08 and Morgane Richardson ’08, and cast members from the College’s production of The Heidi Chronicles. Lunch provided. Free
Sunday 11/11/07
Faculty discussion on WendyWasserstein, Playwright and Chronicler of Women
3:30 P.M., Ross Fireplace Lounge
Panelists include Katherine Smith Abbott and Dana Yeaton '79. Free
Tuesday 11/13/07
Behind-the-Scenes Lunch and Discussion: The Heidi Chronicles
12:30 P.M., Wright Theatre
Director Cheryl Faraone and Professor Katy Abbott (History of Art and Architecture) and members of the Heidi company introduce the upcoming production. Lunch is provided. Free
Tuesday 11/13/07
Play Reading: Uncommon Women and Others
4:30 P.M., Mahaney CFA, Room 232
Wasserstein’s first play details the coming of age of students of Mount Holyoke as the 60s rolled over into the 70s, and all the rules for women began to change. Performed by the students of THEA/WAGS0206 (Contemporary Women Playwrights) and other theatre students. Directed by Cheryl Faraone. Free
Thursday-Saturday, 11/15/07-11/17/07
The Heidi Chronicles
8:00 P.M. each evening and a 2:00 P.M. matinee on Saturday only; Wright Theatre
In this smart and rueful Wendy Wasserstein comedy, Heidi Holland, feminist art historian and observer of the passing cultural scene, remembers significant milestones in her life from the 60s through the 90s, from activism to consumerism to choice. The Heidi Chronicles brings the late award-winning playwright’s grace, humor, and gently lacerating wit to the dilemmas of modern womanhood. Directed by Cheryl Faraone; sponsored by the Department of Theatre and Dance. Wendy Wasserstein’s sister Georgette Wasserstein Levis will attend the matinee performance, sharing memories of her sister at 1:00 P.M. in Wright Theatre. Tickets: $5/4/3, on sale November 1. www.middlebury.edu/arts/tickets or 802-443-MIDD (6433)