Critics overwhelmingly acknowledge Wasserstein's great contribution to feminist thought as a playwright. In consideration of the feminist movement, study one of the author's plays, and comment on the work as it relates to historical developments in the movement. Do Wasserstein's characters resemble their contemporaries today? Describe the differences and similarities.

Thematically, Wasserstein's plays explore the issue of Jewish identity in society. Study the current crisis in the Middle East between the Palestinians and the Israelis. How do aspects of Israel's struggle mirror those of the characters in the author's work?

The Holocaust had a devastating effect on the Jews of Poland. The author, having traveled to the area, was startled to see no familiar Jewish faces in a town once inhabited by her people. Investigate the impact of the Holocaust in Poland on its Jewish citizenry.

Environmental issues like Chernobyl loomed large...