Podcast Summary: "Sarah Ruhl, LESSONS FROM MY TEACHERS: From Preschool to the Present"

Episode Release Date: May 28, 2025
Podcast: Totally Booked with Zibby

Introduction to Sarah Ruhl

In this heartfelt episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes acclaimed playwright, essayist, and poet Sarah Ruhl. Ruhl, renowned for her 15 plays including "Eurydice," "In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play," and "The Clean House," brings her depth and introspection to the conversation. A two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and MacArthur Genius Fellowship recipient, Ruhl discusses her latest work, Lessons from My Teachers: From Preschool to the Present.

Inspiration and Creation of "Lessons from My Teachers"

Sarah Ruhl delves into the genesis of her book, explaining, "I teach this class at Yale called Lessons from My Teachers, and the inspiration for that was I wanted my students to know there was more than one way in that, you know, there were many entry points in terms of how to write a play" (04:19). This academic endeavor evolved into her book, which chronicles the myriad influences that have shaped her as a writer, ranging from mentors to life experiences outside the classroom.

Relationship with Her Mother

Ruhl shares a deeply personal account of her relationship with her mother, an actress in Chicago. "My mom taught English at a Catholic high school where I grew up in Illinois. She taught me a huge amount about theater and writing just by sort of osmosis and by example" (05:30). Her mother's eccentricity and dedication to the craft provided Ruhl with early exposure to the performing arts, fostering her passion for writing.

Journey to Becoming a Playwright and Author

Reflecting on her early aspirations, Ruhl mentions, "I was one of those weird kids who knew I wanted to be a writer from an early age" (06:44). Initially aiming to be a poet or novelist, it wasn’t until she met Paula Vogel at Brown University that she was inspired to pivot towards playwriting. Vogel's mentorship was pivotal, leading Ruhl to fully embrace the world of theater.

Current Projects: "Eurydice" Rehearsals

Ruhl updates listeners on her ongoing work, stating, "I'm running after this to rehearsals for this play, Eurydice, which I wrote 25 years ago" (07:54). The production at the Signature Theater features a convergence of time, with the director mirroring his age from the original 18-year-old production, and Maya Hawke portraying Eurydice at 26—the age Ruhl was when she penned the play. This cyclical approach underscores the timeless nature of her work.

Health Struggles and Their Impact

A significant portion of the conversation centers on Ruhl's personal health challenges. She recounts her battle with Bell's palsy, later diagnosed as neurological Lyme disease, which persisted for 15 years: "I really wanted to make sense of it by writing about it" (09:21). This ordeal not only affected her physically but also influenced her introspective writing style.

Reflections on Teachers and Their Influence

Ruhl emphasizes the profound impact teachers have had on her life. "I realized they don't get thanked very much" (13:40) she reflects, sharing stories of educators like Paul Nielsen, her elementary school principal, whose true character she only understood years later. Such reflections illustrate the often-unseen influence teachers have on personal and professional development.

Story of David Constance

Highlighting a pivotal mentor, Ruhl speaks of David Constance, a classics professor who provided unwavering support during her father's cancer diagnosis: "Professors like David who kind of took me under their wing" (12:49). Her correspondence with Constance, even posthumously, underscores the lasting bonds formed through mentorship.

Pandemic Experiences and Zoom Funerals

The pandemic brought unique challenges, particularly in mourning loved ones. Ruhl shares her experience with Zoom funerals, noting the impersonal nature of such gatherings: "It's like all of Zoom just goes into one big category versus all the different experiences we have in life" (21:15). These virtual farewells lacked the tangible presence and rituals that mark significant life events.

Writing Process and Advice

Discussing her concise writing style, Ruhl attributes it to necessity: "I chose short form by accident because I was so tired and I had no time" (24:35). She advocates for brevity in writing, inspired by practices like haiku, to convey deep emotions succinctly. "You can say it better with fewer words" (24:35) is her guiding principle for effective writing.

Haiku Challenge

In a spontaneous moment, Ruhl engages in a live haiku writing exercise, demonstrating her skill in encapsulating complex emotions in a brief format. Though playful with the constraints, she maintains the essence of traditional haiku, emphasizing meditation and present-moment awareness.

Future Outlook and Book Release

Looking ahead, Ruhl expresses excitement about sharing her book with various circles: "I am looking forward to sharing it with friends and neighbors and family and students and former teachers" (28:10). Balancing her literary pursuits with her theatrical work, she remains unfazed by the nerves that often accompany new projects, buoyed by her longstanding success with works like Eurydice.

Notable Quotes:

• "I chose short form by accident because I was so tired and I had no time." — Sarah Ruhl (24:35)

• "I realized they don't get thanked very much." — Sarah Ruhl (13:40)

• "It's like all of Zoom just goes into one big category versus all the different experiences we have in life." — Sarah Ruhl (21:15)

Conclusion

This episode offers a profound exploration of Sarah Ruhl's life, work, and the influential figures who have shaped her journey. From her early inspirations and academic influences to personal health battles and the nuanced relationships with her teachers, Ruhl provides listeners with an intimate glimpse into the experiences that inform her creative endeavors.