<DIV><p>In January of 1995, <b>Sarah Kane</b>'s first full-length play, <I>Blasted</I>, opened at the Royal Court Theatre in London. It became the cause célèbre of the theatrical year, making front-page headlines and outraging critics with its depiction of rape, torture, and violence in civil war.</p> <p>"Kane has an acute grasp of sexual politics, and her dialogue is both sparse and stunning. They will call her mad, but, then, they said that about Strindberg."—<I>Mail on Sunday</I></p> <p>"Until last night, I thought I was immune from shock in any theatre. I am not."—<I>Daily Mail</I></p> <p>"You're often unsure whether they're laughing or crying on stage and Kane's singular gift as a dramatist is to make you feel like doing both at the same time."—<I>Observer</I></p></DIV>