Wallace Shawn | The Designated Mourner

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At times during the course of human history, when the last of a group, clan or tribe passes, someone would be appointed to publicly weep, remember, and light the sacred fire for the passing of that group. This custom of “The Designated Mourner”, for which the play is named, is one that resonates in these days after September 11th, as many people are shouldering this burden, in New York and elsewhere. Wallace Shawn’s 1996 play is just loaded with disturbing ideas. Another especially relevant one – in the wake of the September 11th attacks – is how people think about their enemies.

Source: The Designated Mourner | WNYC | New York Public Radio, Podcasts, Live Streaming Radio, News