Sarah Ruhl on Lessons from the Teachers Who Shaped Her

Paula Vogel's 'How I Learned to Drive' is a poignant and unsettling play that explores the complex relationship between a young woman, Li'l Bit, and her Uncle Peck. Set in rural Maryland, the play uses driving lessons as a metaphor for grooming and sexual abuse. It delves into themes of power, consent, and the lasting impact of trauma. Vogel's nonlinear narrative and use of Greek chorus-like figures create a haunting and thought-provoking theatrical experience. Through its unflinching portrayal of difficult subject matter, the play challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about family dynamics and societal complicity.

Published in 1928, 'Orlando: A Biography' is a novel by Virginia Woolf that spans over three centuries, from the Elizabethan era to the 1920s. The story revolves around Orlando, a young nobleman who begins as a favorite at the court of Queen Elizabeth I. Orlando's life is marked by numerous romantic encounters, including a significant relationship with the Russian princess Sasha. After a transformative period in Constantinople, Orlando awakens as a woman and continues her life, navigating the societal changes and constraints of different genders across various historical periods. The novel is a tribute to Woolf's friend Vita Sackville-West and explores themes of gender identity, literature, and the fluidity of human experience.

Lewis Hyde’s 'The Gift' explores the nature of creativity and art through the lens of gift economies, contrasting them with market economies. He argues that true art thrives when it is created and shared as a gift, fostering community and connection rather than being driven solely by commercial interests. Hyde examines the role of the artist as a conduit, channeling inspiration and offering their work as a gift to society. The book delves into the transformative power of creativity and the importance of maintaining a balance between artistic expression and economic considerations.