Professor Cecilia Liu

David Mamet: Oleanna (1992)

In Oleanna Mamet points out communication problem in modern society as well as the controversial issue of sexual harassment. Trace the evolution to see how John's innocuous remarks turn damning.
Does Mamet's use of language construct the characters such that John will be perceived positively in both masculine and feminine modes of communication, whereas Carol will be seen negatively in both?
Explore the communication problem in terms of teacher-student relationship in Oleanna.

Tony Kushner: Angels in America (1995)

Many of the gay characters struggle with the question of how public their sexuality should be, and several come out in different ways over the course of the play. Discuss the meaning of the closet—are closeted characters different from uncloseted ones? What implications does coming out have for self and community?
"It's law not justice," Joe tells Louis during their final breakup. Discuss the themes of law and justice in the play. Is Joe correct that the two are separate entities? Or does the play encourage us to see a more visionary potential for the law?
The character of Belize stands out as exceptionally compassionate and good and yet at times seemingly two-dimensional. Which view is correct? Is Belize a virtuous stereotype or a complex moral authority?
What could Kushner have meant in subtitling his work "A Gay Fantasia on National Themes"? What national themes might he be referring to? And what is the relationship between "gay" and "national" in the play?

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