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Putting the Taboo On Stage

Paula Vogel

The word obscenity comes from the Greek notion of “off-stage.” Violence, sexuality, abuse—these are the things that we consider private, things that should happen off-stage. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel brings these perceived obscenities into the public eye and under the theatre spotlight. Throughout her accomplished career, Vogel has tackled traditionally taboo subjects including homosexuality, race, incest, and abuse. In a different role, Vogel has also distinguished herself as an exceptional teacher of young playwrights. Over the years, three of her students have gone on to win Pulitzer Prizes themselves.

28 mins

After 2016: The Changing Scene in Cuban Film

Ann Marie Stock (William and Mary)

Ann Marie Stock has opened her heart to Cuban film and her home to Cuban filmmakers. She travels regularly to Cuba and was in Havana when the American flag was raised at the U.S. embassy for the first time in more than half a century.

11 mins

Mexican Theater: Shining the Spotlight on Mexico’s Shadows

Jacqueline Bixler (Virginia Tech)

In Mexico, theaters are more than just a place for entertainment. Jacqueline Bixler says they are a forum for working out the traumatic events that have shaped Mexican history. Bixler was named Virginia Outstanding Faculty of 2016.

13 mins

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This program is funded in part by the Pulitzer Prize Centennial Campfires Initiative, which seeks to focus on journalism and the humanities, to imagine their future and to inspire new generations to consider the values represented by Pulitzer Prize-winning work. For their generous support for the Campfires Initiative, we thank the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Ford Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Pulitzer Prize Board, and Columbia University.

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