Ricarda Klüßendorf Libri

“Hurricane Kushner Hits the Heartland,” a 2003 New York Times article, aptly reflects Kushner’s impact on American culture. Beginning with his Off-Off-Broadway productions in the mid-80s, he has become a prominent figure, with his Pulitzer Prize-winning *Angels in America* even adapted for cable television. His work, characterized by its poetic, political, and polemical nature, has garnered significant attention, making him an unofficial spokesperson for the American gay community and a notable figure on the American Left. Central to his plays is the theme of “change” and the importance of “community” in facilitating both personal and political transformation. This study delves into these themes in Kushner’s dramatic works, particularly *A Bright Room Called Day*, *Angels in America*, and *Caroline, or Change*. It examines how Kushner’s blend of criticism and affection for America aligns with broader American thought and literature. Utilizing unpublished drafts of *Angels in America* and interviews with Kushner and his collaborators, the analysis highlights the interplay between text and theatrical production in the evolution of his plays.