Six Degrees of Separation emerged as a theatrical phenomenon upon its debut at Lincoln Center in May 1990. Directed by Jerry Zaks, it captivated audiences with performances by Stockard Channing, John Cunningham, and James McDaniel. This play, which won prestigious accolades like the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award and London's Olivier Award, has been lauded as John Guare’s signature work. Moreover, its cinematic adaptation by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1993, directed by Fred Schepisi, further cemented its status.

Art and Performance

At the play’s outset, a rotating painting by Kandinsky sets the stage for the exploration of art’s ambiguous nature, a central motif threaded throughout the story. Flan Kittredge, a private art dealer, maneuvers through the booming art market with masterpieces by Cézanne and Matisse, while Paul, masquerading as "Paul Poitier," navigates the affluent world of Manhattan's East Side. Despite Paul's eventual exposure as an impostor, his interactions with Ouisa leave her with a profound sense of connection. Paul’s charm also beguiles minor characters like Trent and Rick, highlighting his mysterious allure.

A Postmodern Landscape

John Guare crafts a distinctly postmodern universe where randomness prevails over structure, and imitation challenges any notion of truth. The character Paul remains elusive, never fully revealed, yet his transformative presence allows him to adapt to whatever his audience desires. Critics have interpreted Paul as both a critique of societal ills—such as racism, classism, and homophobia—and as a figure who transcends conventional social boundaries, shedding light on the fractures within American society.

Social Commentary and Hypocrisy

The play poignantly exposes the hypocrisy of liberal values, particularly when wealthy characters, initially charmed by Paul’s guise as Sidney Poitier’s son, revert to racial stereotyping upon learning of his deceit. The swift descent into derogatory assumptions illustrates the fragility of their progressive ideals. This examination of identity performance, race relations, and the societal barriers ingrained within class and culture adds depth to Guare’s narrative.

The Quest for Authentic Connection

Guare suggests that art and imagination are pivotal in attaining genuine self-awareness. Paul’s assertion, "To face ourselves. That’s the hard thing. The imagination. That’s God’s gift to make the act of self-examination bearable," underscores this theme. Even within Paul’s deception lies an opportunity for truth—a reflection on the human condition and the search for a meaningful existence.

Critical Reception and Theatrical Impact

Upon its release, Six Degrees of Separation garnered rave reviews, extending its run and earning accolades such as the New York Critics Circle Award. Critics praised Guare’s imaginative storytelling and the seamless blend of imagery, character, and theme. Jack Kroll of Newsweek described Paul as a "figure of dizzying ambiguity," while Frank Rich of the New York Times celebrated the play as a "masterwork" that emerged "in one perfect piece."

Real Events as Inspiration

Guare drew inspiration from real-life events in 1983, when a young African-American man infiltrated the homes of New York’s wealthy elite. This true story serves as a springboard for Guare to delve into complex human relationships, a recurring focus throughout his career. As Tish Dace noted, Guare dramatizes the "love/hate relationships in the American family," a theme vividly explored through the dynamics between Ouisa Kittredge and Paul.

Class, Race, and Identity

The play incisively examines the ambivalence of wealth towards poverty and the superficial liberal fantasies of "rescuing the poor." The Kittredges’ interactions with Paul reflect the uneasy state of race relations in the U.S., where white liberals might support the black cause in theory but remain socially detached. This tension is poignantly portrayed in scenes where the characters grapple with their responses to Paul's presence, revealing underlying prejudices and the dissonance between ideology and reality.

Ultimately, Six Degrees of Separation is a multifaceted exploration of identity, human connection, and the societal constructs that both connect and separate us. Through its unique narrative and compelling character studies, Guare’s play remains a powerful commentary on the complexities of modern life.