PopSugar Challenge 2015 SPILLOVER (because I am a challenge failure, oops.)
   

    Category: A Play

   

    4 Stars

    What a deliciously depressive way to commence my 2016 reading year! After hearing and reading about A Streetcar Named Desire for many a year, I have finally sat down and read it. Seriously, authors please stop putting massive spoilers for classic works in your books. PLEASE?! I didn’t get spoiled because I already knew, but still! This play is a relatively quick read. It took me one lazy January afternoon, but it is packed with a punch that lingers much longer than the story takes to tell. All of the characters within this play are interesting in their own regard. However, for the sake of this review, I will focus on Blanche. Blanche is a lady in many ways; well dressed, submissive, diminutive, and from a prominent family. But as the story progresses, there are little moments of reality that slip into that gloss, messing up the proper image Blanche portrays. The character transition of Blanche is both fascinating and depressing. This is a harsh little play, and it begs the question: is it better to live in a dark and dreary reality, full of monsters in human flesh, or in an imagined perfect world of your own making?

    “I can't stand a naked light bulb, any more than I can a rude remark or a vulgar action.”

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Grab it, while it remains available!

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the play’s performance at Williamstown Theatre Festival was cancelled. Instead, solely an audiobook, directed by Robert O'Hara, was produced.

Blanche DuBois is played by Audra McDonald.

Stella Kowalski is played by Carla Gugino.

Stanley Kowalski is played by Ariel Shafir.

These three are the most important of the numerous voice actors taking part in the performance. I am totally satisfied with the performance of all three. There are sound effects, which I have for the most part enjoyed, until the end when the background clamor becomes excessive, too prominent and too lengthy. I particularly like Audra McDonald’s narration, but all parts are well performed. I am awarding the audio performance four stars. I recommend listening to this rather than reading the script in a book.

At the audiobook's end is an interview with the director. He explains what he wished to achieve with this production. Don't skip it; it’s good and correctly placed.

The story takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana. Stella and her husband Stanley are visited by Blanche, Stella’s younger sister. She appears unannounced. Clearly, she is in trouble, but an ingrained fibber, all that she says must be taken with a grain of salt. Stella is happy to see her, at least at the start. Stanley is of another mind. He only wants to know how she has come to lose possession of the family’s Mississippi plantation.

As a drama, each production will be somewhat different. The focus is here placed on the two sisters, Blanche and Stella. Other performances have instead looked primarily at Stanley, Stella’s self-centered, violent, abusive and chauvinistic husband. How women are treated by society, men and family is one theme. Addiction is another. Mental illness and sexuality should be added to the list of themes covered. It is particularly interesting to compare Stella’s and Blanche’s very different attitudes toward sex.

This is by no means an easy listen. Brawls and screaming, excessive drinking, physical, sexual and psychological abuse play out before our eyes. We visually perceive what is rendered via our ears. The violence is palpable. To fully partake of the story is to throw oneself into the emotional turmoil of the tale. We are told in the audiobook’s concluding interview: “To emotionally participate costs.” I wholeheartedly agree. I am not looking for an easy ride!

One more thing—the lines are superb. They add depth and authenticity to the story, making it a truly engaging and thought-provoking experience. Whether it's Blanche's tragic monologues or Stanley's aggressive outbursts, the dialogue is masterfully crafted and delivered by the talented voice actors. The audiobook version of this play truly brings the story to life in a unique and powerful way.

This is not a traditional narrated play but rather an outstanding theater production specifically crafted for Audible.

The director, Robert O'Hara, along with the talented actors, were well aware that their scheduled play would have no live audience due to the pandemic. However, they didn't let this setback deter them and instead decided to bring the play to life for Audible listeners.

And what an amazing performance it turned out to be! The experience was both intimate and intense. The combination of the realistic sound effects and the superb acting made me feel as if I was actually at the theater, able to vividly "see" the play unfolding in my mind.

The interpretations of the roles were somewhat different from the classic version, yet they still remained true to its essence. Audra McDonald, a six-time Tony winner, was simply incredible as Blanche DuBois. Instead of being portrayed as fragile, she was bold and forthright, captivating the audience with her charm and then sending shivers down our spines before ultimately breaking our hearts in the final scene.

I also adored Carla Gugino as a warm and level-headed Stella. Her performance added a layer of depth and authenticity to the character. And Ariel Shafir was an incredibly powerful Stanley,展现出 a range of emotions from charisma to repulsiveness, from sexual allure to sheer terror.

Bravo to the entire cast and crew for this remarkable production!

Moreover, there is an interesting interview with the director available after the performance, providing further insights into the creative process and the decisions that went into bringing this play to life.

It's truly a must-listen for any theater enthusiast.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It truly had a captivating effect on me, which is quite remarkable considering that I initially chose to read it during the commercial breaks of the Olympics. However, I ended up getting so engrossed that I found myself reading instead of watching the games.

I was really drawn to this play because the characters felt like genuine, imperfect individuals. Admittedly, Blanche was sometimes a bit exaggerated, but I suspect that all southern-belle-like characters have their moments of being overly dramatic.

Blanche was a character that was easy to identify with. She was someone who deeply regretted a thoughtless action from her youth and searched for forgetfulness and another opportunity at happiness in all the wrong places. In the end, one is left pondering whether everything she said was true, given that she is a self-proclaimed liar, "unless it is important," but who gets to decide what is important?

I couldn't really relate to either Stella or Stanley to the same extent. I struggled to understand how someone could choose their abusive husband over their sister, especially considering the accusation at the end.

Stanley seemed like a husband who was jealous of his wife's relationship with her sister and was determined to undermine their happiness at every opportunity. But even worse than that, he was also callous towards his own supposed best friend's feelings, despite the fact that his friend appeared to be very happy.

These characters may not be likeable, but they are undeniably human.

I truly despised it when I was compelled to read it for my American Literature course. The experience was nothing short of miserable.

Even now, seventeen years later, that hatred still lingers within me. I can vividly recall the frustration and boredom that accompanied each page I turned. It seemed as if the words on the page were deliberately designed to torture my mind.

The story failed to engage my interest, and I found myself constantly struggling to stay awake during the reading sessions. I tried my best to understand the deeper meanings and literary devices employed, but it all seemed so pointless to me.

To this day, the mere mention of that particular piece of literature sends shivers down my spine. It serves as a reminder of a time when I was forced to endure something that brought me no joy or satisfaction.

Actually, there were no boundaries and I completed this.
It was so excellent.
I really fell in love with it.
I also really, really liked the translation. It had the atmosphere and mood of a Persian film.
I remember that this was also done in harmony with Saeed. How much can this human being do, ah.

This text seems to express the author's strong feelings and admiration for something. It could potentially be about a work of art, a performance, or an experience. The use of phrases like "fell in love" and "really liked" emphasizes the intensity of the author's emotions. The mention of the translation having the "atmosphere and mood of a Persian film" adds a layer of cultural and artistic appreciation. Additionally, the reference to doing something in harmony with Saeed suggests a collaborative effort or a shared experience that was particularly memorable. Overall, the text conveys a sense of enthusiasm and wonder.

3.5 stars.

In my mind, this story played out like a soap opera, which was quite interesting. However, the themes that I could identify in some parts, such as purity, relationships, and the idea that everyone is awful in some respects, didn't really resonate with me. In my own view, it's true that none of us are pure, but that doesn't mean we're all automatically cheaters, alcoholics, or suicide enablers. We all have flaws, but most of them don't make us evil. Many of us are not like Blanche, a walking tragedy.

EDIT: 3-21-17

I have a small addition to make. I think perhaps I took out some of my anger on this story. It's not the story's fault, so I want to correct that. I liked the story for several reasons. Firstly, it flowed smoothly. Secondly, although I've never really liked stage directions in books, they worked well in this one. Thirdly, everything seemed to have a meaning. I didn't刻意去寻找 some, but some were obvious without me having to. Fourthly, I haven't seen the play, but I might consider seeing it if it's showing later.

Now, here are the things I think could have been better (these are just my opinions). I understand I said Blanche was a tragedy, and I still believe that, but I can see why she acts the way she does. However, I didn't feel like she was willing to change. She was too fixated on the past (and I understand the reason), and while I do feel sorry for her, I can't bring myself to feel more for someone who isn't trying to overcome something. I need to see the fight. I need to see that whoever it is will FIGHT when something goes wrong or fight for something they WANT. I want to see their strength as well as their weaknesses. That's why I didn't like Blanche or really any other character. Her sister didn't even stand up for her. So I feel bad for her, but that's as far as it goes.

Tennessee Williams is one of the most renowned American playwrights. Besides being a controversial personality, he wrote numerous plays, poems, novels, and memoirs. He received the Pulitzer Prize for "A Streetcar Named Desire" and for "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". The former was adapted into a film with outstanding lead actors - Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh.

"A Streetcar Named Desire" is a play composed of 11 scenes with key characters such as Blanche DuBois, Stella Kowalski, and Stanley Kowalski at its center.

The action takes place in the city of New Orleans. Young Stella and her husband Stanley Kowalski, who live in a shabby apartment shared with other tenants, enter the scene.

Elegant and refined Blanche DuBois arrives to visit her sister.

"I was told to take a streetcar named Desire, then transfer to one called Cemeteries, and get off at... Elysian Fields."

She is somewhat shocked by the modest conditions in which her sister lives. After entering the house, Blanche informs Stella that she has lost Belle Reve, the family mansion, as well as her job as a teacher. She is thus forced to stay with them. Stanley does not like Blanche at all. He considers her pretentious, immoral, and false. Blanche, on the other hand, believes that he is primitive and uncouth.

Stanley is determined to find out what happened to the inheritance and tries to see the mortgage papers.

Blanche, in a cornered state, wants to convince Stella to leave Stanley because he beats her.

Mitch, Stanley's friend, also appears in the scene. He is a more cultivated man whom Blanche tries to seduce. The one who will oppose is Stanley, who discovers unpleasant things from Blanche's past. As a result, she finds herself rejected by Mitch and with no hope for the future.

What will happen to Blanche remains to be discovered by reading the book.

The author approaches modern and specific themes: the cosmopolitan city where whites and blacks live together, the clash between the two worlds - the old one represented by Blanche and her mentality and the new one where things have changed, people have jobs, no longer live in mansions, have a different education, approach certain taboo subjects, and are libertines.

Another specific theme that appears in other works of the author is homosexuality and the way it is seen, all kinds of vices, domestic violence, family problems, etc.

We are thus dealing with a famous and successful play that has had numerous adaptations and is frequently performed. So, if you happen to go to the Odeon Theater in Bucharest, for example, the performance in which Rodica Mandache plays the role of Blanche excellently is not to be missed.

In conclusion, I attach a few quotes belonging to this special character:

"Well, life is just full of detours and ambiguities. I like artists who paint in bright, bold colors, primary colors."

"A little sincerity is a dangerous thing, and a great deal of it is absolutely fatal."

"But, honey, you know just as well as I do that a single girl, alone in the world, has got to limit her emotions or else she'll be lost."

"But the beauty of the soul and the richness of the spirit and the tenderness of the heart... And I possess all these things... and no one can take them away from me. And these things grow, increase with age. How strange that a woman like me can be considered poor. When in my heart there are stored up so many treasures."

Q. You think the world's going mad?
A. Going? I'd say nearly gone! The state of the world today is truly astonishing. It seems as if everything is in a state of chaos and confusion.

It's like a funny paper read backwards. When we look at the world from a different perspective, it loses its humor and becomes rather disturbing.

We witness wars, natural disasters, and social unrest on a daily basis. The values and beliefs that once held society together seem to be crumbling.

People are becoming more divided and less empathetic towards one another. The world is changing at an alarming rate, and it's hard to keep up.

But perhaps there is still hope. Maybe we can come together and work towards a better future. We need to find a way to make sense of this madness and create a world that is more just, peaceful, and sustainable.

One of my all-time favorites is this particular piece of work.

I have such a deep affection for it that it always brings a smile to my face.

It's truly a remarkable creation that has left a lasting impression on me.

Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to revisit it after reading it during my high school days.

As I delved back into its pages, it was like reuniting with an old friend.

The words seemed to come alive once again, captivating my imagination and taking me on a journey.

I was reminded of the emotions and thoughts it had evoked in me all those years ago.

It's amazing how a single piece of literature can have such a profound impact and stay with you throughout your life.

Revisiting this favorite of mine has been a truly enriching experience, and I look forward to many more encounters with it in the future.

I engaged in a read/watch combo for this particular work, and truly, it is the most effective way for me to soak up plays.

My awarding of 5 stars was significantly swayed by watching the recently streamed 2014 production that was expertly directed by Benedict Andrews.

The entire experience left me completely drained.

So now I find myself wondering - do I like plays in general? Or perhaps it's just the genius of Tennessee Williams that has captured my attention. I feel the need to explore further and find out!

I am eager to delve into more of his works and see if they have the same profound impact on me.

Maybe I'll discover that my newfound interest in plays extends beyond just Tennessee Williams and encompasses the entire genre.

Only time and more exploration will tell.

For now, I am left with a sense of wonder and a desire to learn more about the world of theater.

Blanche, my love,

You are the most precious person in my life. Your presence brings warmth and light to my world. I remember the first time I saw you, my heart skipped a beat. Your smile was like a ray of sunshine that brightened up my day.

I love everything about you, from your kind heart to your beautiful soul. You are always there for me, through thick and thin. Your support and encouragement have helped me become a better person.

Blanche, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to hold your hand, look into your eyes, and tell you how much I love you every day. I want to build a future with you, filled with love, happiness, and laughter.

You are my one and only, Blanche. I will always love you, now and forever.