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 8/28/2008

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Hosted by: Dick Gordon Show Originally Aired: 11/13/2001
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Wendy Wasserstein
Wendy Wasserstein
Wendy Wasserstein

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transformation moduleIn this series, the Connection reflected on what was once considered unimaginable, but is now part of the everyday lives of Americans.
Laughter isn't what it used to be. It's little wonder. With so many gut-wrenching moments since September 11th, the latest of which came just yesterday, there's been little left over for the belly laugh. Suddenly everyone from class clowns to late night comics had less to say. Irony lost its appeal. So did the wry, subtle barbs of wickedly delicious, sinfully indulgent dinner party chatter. America just wasn't in the mood. Then something surprising happened. The in-your-face, yuk-it-up chuckles that were once the exclusive domain of the silly have become the new palliative. And thank goodness.


Our Tuesday Transformation series continues. This time, a conversation with Pulitzer prize winning playwright Wendy Wasserstein about humor's burden against tragedy's backdrop.
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Related Links

Indiana University's Wendy Wasserstein's page.

Bob Mankoff's Cartoon Bank
 



Wendy Wasserstein, pulitzer prize-winning and Tony award-winning playwright, with her play "The Heidi Chronicles," and author of "Shiksa Goddess

How I spent My Forties"

and Bob Mankoff, cartoon editor at The New Yorker.

Michael (caller) : The first thing that came to my mind was how unreal the events were. listen
Wendy Wasserstein: I began to understand, through my writing, and through travelling, the nature of colonial society. listen
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