Ariel Dorfman, originally named Vladimiro Dorfman, is a writer whose life and career have been profoundly shaped by the politics and turmoil of the 20th century. The concept of exile is a recurring theme in his life, reflecting his experiences across various continents and political landscapes. His narrative is a testament to resilience and adaptation amidst constant change.

Roots and Early Influences

Dorfman's story begins with his parents, who were both driven by the forces of migration and political unrest. His father, Adolfo Dorfman, was born in Odessa in 1907 within a Jewish family that was financially secure until they escaped to Buenos Aires in 1909 due to economic hardships. On the other side, his mother, Fanny Zelicovich Vaisman, hailed from Kishinev and fled to Argentina as a baby after her grandfather was killed in the 1903 pogrom. These early migrations set the stage for the complex cultural and political identity that would define Dorfman's life.

Political Turbulence and Relocation

Adolfo Dorfman's leftist leanings led him to join the Communist Party by the 1930s, a decision that influenced his family significantly. Naming his son Vladimiro in honor of Lenin, he was forced to flee Argentina in 1943 following a military coup that brought Juan Perón to power. Adolfo's opposition to the new regime culminated in his resignation from the Universidad de la Plata, followed by a relocation to the United States in 1945 with his family. This move marked a significant shift in young Vladimiro's life as he transitioned to speaking English after recovering from pneumonia in a New York hospital.

Family Crisis and Career Shift

1945 was a pivotal year for the Dorfman family. The death of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt deeply affected Fanny, leading to her hospitalization and temporary separation from her family. Upon her recovery, the family reunited, but the Cold War was intensifying, and Adolfo became a target of suspicion due to his political affiliations. Accused by Senator Joseph McCarthy's infamous committee, Adolfo was pressured to leave his position at the United Nations, which forced another move, this time to Santiago, Chile, in 1949. It was in Chile that Vladimiro, now preferring to be called Edward, completed his education and slowly began to embrace his dual identity.

Education and Awakening

Dorfman pursued his studies in Chile, where he initially longed for his American experiences. His academic journey at the University of Chile led him to teaching and ultimately to a personal awakening when he met Anjelica, his future wife. Despite their brief return to the United States in 1968, the Dorfmans found themselves disillusioned with the Vietnam War protests and decided to return to Chile, where Ariel became an active participant in the democratic movement that supported Salvador Allende’s presidency.

Exile and Literary Contributions

The coup of September 11, 1973, marked a turning point for Dorfman. Hearing of Allende's assassination and the rise of General Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship, Dorfman narrowly escaped being called to the presidential palace—a twist of fate that saved his life. This event exiled him for years, but upon the return of democracy to Chile in 1990, Dorfman began to split his time between his homeland and the United States, eventually establishing a base in Durham, North Carolina, where he joined Duke University's faculty in 1985.

Literary Legacy and Recognition

Dorfman's experiences during the Pinochet regime and his displacement deeply informed his literary works. His books, such as The Empire’s Old Clothes, Widows, and The Last Song of Manuel Senderos, explore themes of political oppression and identity. Perhaps his most famous play, Death and the Maiden, addresses the enduring scars of terror and torture. This powerful narrative earned the Time Out award and the Sir Lawrence Olivier Award as Best Play of 1991, later adapted into a film by Roman Polanski in 1994. Beyond his books, Dorfman continues to contribute essays and articles to major publications like The New York Times, The Village Voice, and The Nation.