Dramaturg's Statement

A streetcar named desire is a brilliant production steeped in colorful emotions and surrounded in sweet New Orleans sweat. In order to deliver a heart-wrenching, powerful performance there are several elements that need to be given special attention. Setting is key to the production. New Orleans, more specifically The French Quarter is a place like no other. The filthy, yet tempting streets that intersect each other making the French Quarter and Jackson Square offer opportunities that are found few other places on earth. Let alone all with-in walking distance of each other. The audience needs to feel the heat and humidity of the hustle and bustle. They need to be able to taste the sweet bourbon and biegnets. They need to feel the click-ity clack of the street car with out ever seeing one. The specific architecture including picturesque wrought iron balconies are key to the setting in New Orleans. However, The Kowalski’s apartment is on a seedy, multi-cultural, working class section of the quarter, not an upscale loft. More of a tiny, crowded two bedroom abode. Still, the audience needs to know that the action of the all day, all night circus is right around the corner. The French Quarter is a temptress that has a heartbeat of her very own.
Fantasy vs. Reality is a major theme of this production. This needs to be evident throughout. Thankfully Mr. Williams did a brilliant job putting this into his characters, mainly Blanche. The actress playing this role needs to be completely aware that Blanche has no grasp on reality and thus she needs to be able to make choices in this frame of mind. The set being built with the split room apartment but still having the street visible gives the impression that the apartment is a safety zone. Letting the street represent the outside(scary) world. This only adds to Blanche’s downfall when she is attacked inside the “safety zone”. Blanches inability to over come her fantasy life eventually pulls her so far under water that she has to be hospitalized. Throughout the production we hear fantastic webs of lies created by Blanche, though we are entertained by them, we feel sorry for by the end of the play.
Sex is a very powerful theme throughout the play. It is used as a weapon, a control tactic, a release and as a balance of power. Stanley is dripping with raw, male sexuality the entire show. Very controlling, very vocal and has the look every woman loves. Hard working and knows what he wants but can still be knocked to his knees by the right woman. Stella controls her sexuality but it is still very present. She does not flaunt it but does not make a secret about when she is satisfied. If fact the “Stella!!!” scene in the second act allows Stella to emote her sexual prowess and control when she slinks down the stairs to meet a screaming Stanley. Blanche is sexually confused and that is very necessary to the character. We know she likes to think she likes sex and wants to portray herself as a seductress. When deep down she needs it for the ultimate human connection if nothing else.
Lighting is another element to pay close attention to. I think it is important to watch the way light is used around Blanche. She is never in full lighting and finds many opportunities to shut curtains and cover lamps, almost as if she doesn’t really want to be seen by anyone. She wants to only create an illusion of herself.
Music! The Varsouviana Polka. Blanche hears this through out the production. This music is crucial to her sanity, or lack there of due to the fact she heard this just before her husband shot himself. Jazz and swing music were crucial to the era. Smokey lounges and cocktail bars were engulfed in dance music and the slow sounds of the trumpets and trombones.
Finally desire itself should be clearly delivered in this production. Stanley, Blanche and Stella, the true human nature of desire is apparent in each one of them. We see Blanche’s desire for a better life or for the life of luxury she once knew or thought she knew. We also see her struggle with the fact desire is what got her here in the first place. No one thinks a drunk, abusive, unfaithful man is a real catch, but in Stella’s mind he is. Due to her desire to be wanted and protected allows her to love and accept him.
This is a very intense and emotionally draining show for the cast, crew and audience, however your work and dedication will most definitely pay off.