For more than 35 years, three-time Pulitzer prize-winner Edward Albee has maintained a commanding, controversial presence in American theater. The playwright enjoyed early commercial and critical success with several New York productions, including what is widely considered his masterpiece Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? With over 20 plays to his credit, Albee is one of the most celebrated dramatists of his generation with Tennessee Williams naming him :the only great playwright we've ever had in America."
Although the tone of criticism has greatly fluctuated throughout his long career, scholars have commended Albee's continued commitment to theatrical experimentation and his refusal to bow to commercial pressures. The brilliant and outspoken playwright has answered his critics with perseverance and wit: "The only time I'll get good reviews is if I kill myself."
A Delicate Balance won Albee his first Pulitzer in 1967 and the highly original Seascape also received the honor. The dramatist is currently seeing a resurgence of much of his early work while winning his third Pulitzer for Three Tall Women in April, 1994.
