Podcast Summary: The Gist - "Sarah Ruhl on Lessons from the Teachers Who Shaped Her"
Episode Information:
- Title: Sarah Ruhl on Lessons from the Teachers Who Shaped Her
- Host: Mike Pesca (Peach Fish Productions)
- Release Date: August 9, 2025
Introduction
In this insightful episode of The Gist, host Mike Pesca engages in a profound conversation with acclaimed playwright Sarah Ruhl. Delving into Ruhl's latest book, Lessons from My Teachers, the discussion explores the pivotal role educators have played in shaping her artistic journey and personal growth. The conversation seamlessly intertwines themes of mentorship, creativity, and the nuanced dynamics between teachers and students.
The Importance of Teachers and Openness to Learning
Mike begins by highlighting the significance of teachers in Ruhl's life, especially considering his own family's strong background in education. He poses a thought-provoking question:
Mike Pesca [03:52]: "Are teachers more important than a student's willingness to be open to teaching?"
Sarah responds by emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between teachers and students. She reflects on her innate openness and quest for mentorship, acknowledging that not everyone naturally seeks out or embraces teaching.
Sarah Ruhl [03:37]: "I think, in the course of writing the book, I talked to many people about who was an important figure in their life, mentor, teacher, and some said they didn't really have one. It made me consider what allows people to be open and vulnerable enough to embrace teaching."
Mentorship with Paula Vogel
A significant portion of the discussion centers on Sarah's mentorship under Paula Vogel, a renowned playwright herself. Ruhl recounts her first encounter with Vogel's genius and how Vogel's guidance transcended academic instruction, delving into personal support during a challenging time.
Sarah Ruhl [05:01]: "Paula Vogel was possibly the first genius I ever met. She cared not only about the intellectual lives of her students but also their personal lives."
Sarah shares a poignant moment when Vogel advised her to approach grief indirectly in her writing, leading to the creation of her unpublished play, Dog Play.
Sarah Ruhl [06:06]: "Write about something indirect. Write a play where a dog is the protagonist."
The Craft of Playwriting and Language
The conversation shifts to Sarah's creative process, particularly her focus on the interplay between language and non-verbal expression in her plays. She discusses how physical humor and visual storytelling can transcend linguistic barriers, as exemplified in her play Dog Play.
Sarah Ruhl [10:37]: "I'm very interested in what is transmitted by the language, but also through the body and the visual life of the play."
Ruhl also touches upon the international reception of her work, sharing anecdotes about German productions of Eurydice that embraced a more visual and physical interpretation.
Navigating Creative Differences and Criticism
Mike brings up an early challenge Sarah faced when her first play, an adaptation of Virginia Woolf's Orlando, was directed differently than her vision. The director's conservative approach led to a misalignment in the portrayal of gender and identity, resulting in a negative review.
Sarah Ruhl [17:55]: "I felt humiliated... I vowed never to read reviews again."
Despite the setback, Sarah highlights the enduring mentorship and evolving relationship with her director, Joyce Piven, underscoring the complexities of creative collaboration.
Graduate Education and the Evolution of Theatrical Mentorship
The dialogue explores the role of graduate programs in the current theatrical landscape. Sarah shares her experiences with MFA programs, noting both their benefits and the changing dynamics of mentorship within larger educational frameworks.
Sarah Ruhl [23:17]: "We have fewer ensembles. It used to be like, be young, you join a company, an older actor might mentor you. But the economics have shifted."
She advocates for building a body of work independently if possible but acknowledges the invaluable support provided by institutions like Yale, where tuition is covered thanks to benefactors like David Geffen.
Personal Stories and Lessons from Teachers
Sarah intertwines personal anecdotes with broader reflections on teaching. She recounts a touching story about her gerbils, illustrating themes of sisterhood and unity, which metaphorically tie back to the lessons imparted by her educators.
Sarah Ruhl [26:20]: "The gerbils ate each other to be a part of each other."
Additionally, she shares her practice of sending essays to her former teachers, fostering continued relationships and receiving heartfelt feedback, even from those who have since passed away.
Teaching Philosophy and Legacy
Towards the end of the episode, Sarah discusses her teaching philosophy, emphasizing the balance between conscious instruction and the subtle, often unspoken lessons imparted through everyday interactions. She advises aspiring writers to cherish and actively communicate their appreciation for their mentors.
Sarah Ruhl [35:06]: "If I have one take-home message from the book, it's to write a letter to your teacher. Don't wait. Tell your teachers how much they meant to you."
Conclusion
Mike and Sarah wrap up their conversation by reflecting on the enduring impact of teachers and the lessons they pass down, both intentionally and inadvertently. Sarah's heartfelt insights offer listeners a deeper understanding of the intricate dance between educator and mentee, creativity and mentorship.
Mike Pesca [36:20]: "The name of the book is Lessons from My Teachers from Preschool to the Present. Thank you so much, Sarah."
Sarah Ruhl [36:33]: "Thank you."
Key Takeaways:
- Mutual Influence: The relationship between teachers and students is deeply reciprocal, with both parties shaping each other's growth.
- Creative Integrity: Navigating creative differences requires resilience and open communication, even in the face of criticism.
- The Power of Subtle Teaching: Beyond structured lessons, unspoken gestures and personal interactions play a significant role in mentorship.
- Legacy and Appreciation: Actively acknowledging and expressing gratitude to mentors can leave a lasting positive impact on both the teacher and the student.
Notable Quotes:
- Sarah Ruhl [05:01]: "Paula Vogel was possibly the first genius I ever met."
- Sarah Ruhl [17:55]: "I felt humiliated... I vowed never to read reviews again."
- Sarah Ruhl [35:06]: "Write a letter to your teacher. Don't wait. Tell your teachers how much they meant to you."
Final Thoughts: Sarah Ruhl's candid discussions illuminate the profound ways in which educators influence their protégés, not just academically but also personally and artistically. The Gist episode offers a compelling exploration of mentorship, creativity, and the enduring bonds formed through teaching and learning.