Picture an American playwright who crafted a single, heart-wrenching masterpiece that won a Pulitzer Prize—meet Margaret Edson! Born in 1961, Edson is the brilliant mind behind Wit, a play that weaves academia, mortality, and compassion into a profound narrative. Yet, despite her theatrical triumph, she’s chosen a quieter stage: teaching sixth graders in Atlanta’s public schools, where her passion for education shines.
The Making of Margaret Edson
Margaret 'Maggie' Edson was born on July 4, 1961, in Washington, D.C., to a newspaper columnist father and a medical social worker mother. Her early flair for drama sparked at Sidwell Friends School, a Quaker institution, before she pursued Renaissance history at Smith College, graduating in 1983. After a stint selling hot dogs and working as a unit clerk in a hospital’s AIDS and cancer ward, Edson’s experiences there planted the seeds for Wit. She later earned a master’s in English literature from Georgetown University in 1992, balancing her studies with volunteer tutoring that ignited her love for teaching.
Margaret Edson’s Unforgettable Play
Edson’s sole play, Wit (sometimes styled as W;t), premiered in 1995 at South Coast Repertory in California and won the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. This one-act gem follows Vivian Bearing, a sharp-witted English professor facing ovarian cancer, whose intellectual armor crumbles as she confronts mortality. Drawing on Edson’s hospital clerk days, the play blends John Donne’s metaphysical poetry with raw human vulnerability, exposing the arrogance of academia and medicine while yearning for kindness. Its sharp dialogue and emotional depth have led to global productions in dozens of languages and an Emmy-winning HBO film in 2001, directed by Mike Nichols and starring Emma Thompson.
Edson’s style is concise yet layered, using wit—not just humor, but intellect and wisdom—to probe life’s big questions. Unlike prolific playwrights, she poured her heart into one work, choosing teaching over further writing. Her focus on a single, powerful story makes Wit a timeless exploration of grace and redemption, resonating with audiences and medical educators alike for its authentic portrayal of patient care.
Why Margaret Edson Matters
Margaret Edson’s impact transcends the stage. Wit has reshaped how medical professionals approach empathy, with its realistic doctor-patient dynamics used in medical school curricula. Her choice to prioritize teaching over fame reflects her belief in education’s transformative power, inspiring students and educators with her vibrant, performance-driven classroom style. Edson’s legacy lies in her ability to make us ponder mortality while celebrating compassion, proving one story can change hearts and minds.
- Born: July 4, 1961, Washington, D.C.
- Key Work: Wit (1995)
- Awards: Pulitzer Prize for Drama (1999), New York Drama Critics Circle Award, Emmy for HBO’s Wit (2001)
- Current Role: Sixth-grade social studies teacher, Atlanta
Ready to explore a story that’ll make you laugh, cry, and think? Grab a copy of Wit and dive into Margaret Edson’s poignant world of intellect and heart!