POV Season 20 Episode 13 Wrestling With Angels: Playwright Tony Kushner

Wrestling with Angels: Playwright Tony Kushner is the thirteenth episode of season 20 of the PBS documentary series POV. The episode is a fascinating look into the creative genius of Tony Kushner, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright behind the iconic play, Angels in America.

Narrated by the late actor and activist, Paul Newman, the film delves into Kushner's upbringing in Louisiana, his early struggles as a writer, and his meteoric rise to fame in the 1990s. Drawing on interviews with Kushner himself as well as with friends, family members, and colleagues, the episode offers a nuanced and intimate portrait of the playwright.

Through candid conversations with Kushner, viewers gain insight into his creative process and the themes that animate his work. In particular, the episode explores Kushner's interest in history and politics, and how these have informed his plays. It also looks at his influences, ranging from Bertolt Brecht to William Shakespeare, and how he draws on these traditions to create plays that are at once timeless and timely.

Interwoven with these interviews are scenes from rehearsals of Kushner's plays, including both Angels in America and his more recent work, Caroline, or Change. These scenes provide a window into the collaborative and iterative process of theater-making, and offer a glimpse into the complex relationships that form between playwrights, actors, and directors.

One of the strengths of Wrestling with Angels is the way in which it situates Kushner's work within broader cultural and political contexts. The episode explores how Kushner's plays have been shaped by larger social movements, including the AIDS crisis, the gay rights movement, and the 9/11 attacks. It also looks at the controversies that have surrounded his work, including criticism from both the left and the right.

Throughout, the episode is marked by a deep sense of respect and admiration for Kushner and his work. Newman's narration is infused with a sense of awe and wonder, and the film as a whole is a celebration of the transformative power of Kushner's plays.

At the same time, the episode is unflinching in its portrayal of Kushner's flaws and limitations. It explores his ambivalence about his own Jewish identity and his complicated relationships with his family members. It also touches on his struggles with depression and anxiety, and how these have intersected with his work as a writer.

Ultimately, Wrestling with Angels is a moving and thought-provoking portrait of one of America's greatest living playwrights. Through its exploration of Kushner's creative process, political vision, and personal struggles, the episode offers insights into the nature of art, politics, and human connection. Whether you are a fan of Kushner's work or simply interested in the process of artistic creation, this episode is not to be missed.