María Irene Fornés, a Cuban-American playwright, theater director, and teacher, left an indelible mark on the world of off-Broadway and experimental theater throughout the latter half of the 20th century.
Born on May 14, 1930, Fornés' remarkable body of work traversed a wide range of subject matters, frequently focusing on characters whose aspirations, despite their disadvantages, continued to inspire and captivate audiences.
Throughout her illustrious career, Fornés received an impressive nine Obie Theatre Awards across various categories, and was also a finalist for the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in Drama in 1990.
New Yorker critic Hilton Als eloquently summarized Fornés' profound impact on the world of theater, stating that she had "done more than her fair share in terms of changing the face of theatre". He further added: "No matter how challenging Fornés' subjects can be, her work sits in the ear like luxurious reason".
Tony Kushner, in a 2013 interview, also shared his profound respect for Fornés, highlighting her "terrifyingly high standards" and her unwavering commitment to excellence. He noted that her productions were always unforgettable, and that she possessed a rare gift for making theater truly magical.
