Gutter Talking in ‘Class’

“Master Class” at the Mark Taper is a brilliant show and deserves every word of its enthusiastic reviews. But is there to be no escape, even here, from gutter profanity? Zoe Caldwell (portraying Maria Callas) uses the s-word and the f-word not once but several times. Presumably playwright Terrence McNally is trying to shock us into realizing that there was another earthier side to Callas. Instead, it just cheapens the whole performance. One difference between good theater and great theater is that great theater leaves something to the intelligence of the audience and preserves the dignity of its characters, even when showing their darker sides. Less is more, Mr. McNally.

EDWARD K. CONKLIN

Manhattan Beach