Contemporary Literary Criticism | Wasserstein, Wendy (Vol. 183) - Stefan Kanfer (review date 7 November 1994)

Stefan Kanfer (review date 7 November 1994)

SOURCE: Kanfer, Stefan. “Past Imperfect.” New Leader 77, no. 11 (7 November 1994): 22-3.

[In the following excerpt, Kanfer reviews a revival of Uncommon Women and Others, situating his assessment in light of Wasserstein's accomplishments since the play's original premiere.]

Wendy Wasserstein has yet to become a Nobel Laureate. But she has been given just about every other honor: the Pulitzer Prize, plus the Tony, New York Drama Critics Circle, Drama Desk, and Outer Circle awards. All these kudos lead to two possible conclusions: Either Wasserstein is one of the most original and brilliant talents of our age, or contemporary theatrical standards are so debased that a sitcom writer can be elevated to superstar status. The latter seems more accurate to me.

In her two big hits, The Heidi Chronicles and The Sisters Rosensweig, the playwright created a new, self-mocking...

Join eNotes

The above is a free excerpt. Get total access to this content with the:

eNotes Pass