Arts & Culture | April 6, 2011

Marisa Tomei stars in Wallace Shawn's play "Marie and Bruce" in New York City

A revival of Wallace Shawn's 1979 play Marie and Bruce has opened in New York City.

A revival of Wallace Shawn's 1979 play Marie and Bruce opened in New York at the Acorn Theater on Theater Row, staged by The New Group, on April 5. A Harvard Magazine profile of Shawn took note of the production, then in preparation, which stars Marisa Tomei and Frank Whaley in the title roles. Ben Brantley of the New York Times gave the play a thoughtful, complimentary review, nodding to "Mr. Shawn’s corrosive, original voice" and calling him "...a sort of spiritual godfather to talented contemporary sourpusses of the theater...." He identifies Shawn "as a significant and sui generis playwright, one who gives improbably elegant form to our lowest impulses."

You might also like

A vase of yellow flowers on a table next to an orange and a glass.

Harvard Art Museums restores a rare glimpse of an American master.

Portrait of a man in a denim shirt beside a blue book cover for "Gretal and the Great War" featuring an illustration of a leg holding an army helmet..

The Gretel and the Great War author on how the Lampoon derailed his science career—and set him on a literary path.

A woman with curly blonde hair sits casually against a stone wall, wearing a black top and jeans.

Chloe Chapin trains her Broadway costume designer’s eye on the history of men’s fashion.

Most popular

Skyline view of Harvard University with trees in autumn colors and a river under a cloudy sky.

Harvard’s Class of 2029 Reflects Shifts in Racial Makeup After Affirmative Action Ends

International students continue to enroll amid political uncertainty; mandatory SATs lead to a drop in applications.

Johnston Gate at Harvard University with green foliage behind it

The University has pushed the adoption of AI into teaching and operations, but faculty resistance is growing louder.

White House and Harvard University buildings split diagonally with contrasting colors.

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

Explore More From Current Issue

A vibrant illustration of a red car parked, surrounded by cheerful people and historic buildings.

Harvard History

Derek Bok donated his car for a good cause.

Three young women posed side by side against red background.

Students

The 2026-2027 Ledecky and Summer Undergraduate Fellows

Colorful word cloud with various emotions and ideas related to learning and reflection.

Research

But it can’t replace human connection.