The Theatre of Tennessee Williams, Vol. 6: 27 Wagons Full of Cotton and Other Short Plays

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The Theatre of Tennessee Williams  brings together in matching format the plays of one of America’s most influential and innovative dramatists. Arranged in chronological order, this ongoing series includes the original cast listings and production notes for all full-length plays. Now available as a New Directions paperbook,  Volume 27 Wagons Full of Cotton and Other Short Plays , contains sixteen one-act plays in Williams’ early, more realistic style––eleven from the original 1953 edition of  27 Wagons , two added to the 1966 paper edition of the same title, and three added to the 1981 cloth edition of  Volume VI . Not only were the short plays the necessary seedbed for many of Williams’ longer plays; they were also crucial experiments in both theme and style. Williams envisioned these short plays for small theatre productions, which he hoped would be “an irritant in the shell of their community.”

358 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1945

About the author

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Thomas Lanier Williams III, better known by the nickname Tennessee Williams, was a major American playwright of the twentieth century who received many of the top theatrical awards for his work. He moved to New Orleans in 1939 and changed his name to "Tennessee," the state of his father's birth.

Raised in St. Louis, Missouri, after years of obscurity, at age 33 he became famous with the success of The Glass Menagerie (1944) in New York City. This play closely reflected his own unhappy family background. It was the first of a string of successes, including A Streetcar Named Desire (1947), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1955), Sweet Bird of Youth (1959), and The Night of the Iguana (1961). With his later work, he attempted a new style that did not appeal to audiences. His drama A Streetcar Named Desire is often numbered on short lists of the finest American plays of the 20th century, alongside Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey into Night and Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman.

Much of Williams' most acclaimed work has been adapted for the cinema. He also wrote short stories, poetry, essays and a volume of memoirs. In 1979, four years before his death, Williams was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.

From Wikipedia


Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 39 votes)
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39 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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I had the wonderful opportunity to play Vicarro in a stage version, and it was truly one of my most cherished experiences. The role of Vicarro was complex and multi-faceted, allowing me to explore different emotions and character traits. I dedicated myself to understanding every nuance of the character, from his mannerisms to his inner thoughts. During the rehearsals, I worked closely with the director and the rest of the cast to bring the story to life on stage. The stage itself was a magical place, and I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation every time I stepped onto it. When the curtains finally rose on opening night, I was filled with a mix of nervousness and excitement. But as soon as I started to perform, all my nerves disappeared, and I was able to fully immerse myself in the role. The audience's response was overwhelming, and it was an unforgettable moment for me. Playing Vicarro in the stage version was not only a great learning experience but also a source of great joy and fulfillment.

July 15,2025
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27 Wagons, The Lady of Larkspur Lotion, The Strangest Kind of Romance and Something Unspoken are must-reads. These works offer a diverse range of stories that are sure to captivate readers. 27 Wagons might take you on an exciting adventure with its unique plot and characters. The Lady of Larkspur Lotion could present a charming and perhaps mysterious tale. The Strangest Kind of Romance is likely to explore the unusual aspects of love and relationships. Something Unspoken might hold secrets and hidden emotions that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Each of these works has its own charm and吸引力, making them essential reads for any book lover. Whether you are looking for adventure, romance, mystery, or something else entirely, these must-reads are sure to satisfy your literary cravings.

July 15,2025
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Classic Tennessee Williams. His works are often filled with despair, decay, and a sense of no hope. The characters he creates seem to be trapped in a web of their own making, unable to escape the harsh realities of their lives. Yet, despite this, his plays and stories are always worth reading. There is a certain beauty and power in his words that draw the reader in and make them want to keep reading. However, it is important to read his works in moderation. The themes of despair and decay can be overwhelming if read in concentrated doses. It is better to savor his works slowly, taking the time to appreciate the nuances and subtleties of his writing. In this way, we can gain a deeper understanding of the human condition and the power of literature to touch our hearts and souls.

July 15,2025
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**"3 1/2 Stars: A Review"**


This product or service has received a rating of 3 1/2 stars. It's a score that indicates a certain level of quality and performance. While it may not be perfect, it has its strengths.


Perhaps it offers some unique features that set it apart from the competition. Or maybe it provides a good value for the price. However, there are also areas where it could be improved.


It might lack in some aspects of functionality or have a few minor flaws that prevent it from reaching a higher rating. But overall, it's still a solid choice for those who are looking for something that meets their basic needs.


With a 3 1/2-star rating, it's clear that this product or service has its pros and cons. It's up to the individual consumer to decide if its strengths outweigh its weaknesses and if it's the right fit for them.

July 15,2025
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"Talk to Me Like the Rain and Let Me Listen" is truly one of my all-time favorite plays.

This play has a certain charm that simply captivates me. The way the story unfolds, the characters come to life, and the emotions are portrayed is just remarkable.

It has the ability to transport me to a different world, making me feel every moment as if I were right there with the characters.

The dialogue is engaging and thought-provoking, and the overall atmosphere of the play is both mysterious and enchanting.

I love how it makes me think and feel, and it always leaves a lasting impression on me.

Every time I watch or read this play, I discover something new and wonderful, and it never fails to bring a smile to my face.

It is a true masterpiece that I will always cherish and love.
July 15,2025
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I have long been an admirer of Tennessee Williams' works. When I came across this captivating title, I simply couldn't resist picking it up. However, since it was a library copy, I was unable to finish it in one sitting. I managed to read only the first 7 out of the 13 plays, but I was thoroughly impressed by most of them and would rate it 3.8★.

This collection consists of short plays, mainly one-act pieces, divided into various scenes. The plays are characteristically poetic, yet diverse in subject matter, united only by their one-act format. I could find no other common thread among them.

All the plays revolve around a limited number of characters, sometimes just 2-3, with additional secondary roles. This makes them highly character-driven.

1. "27 Wagons full of cotton" is the first and title play of the collection, with some of the power of "A Streetcar named Desire". It tells the story of a cotton gin owner who commits arson to obtain more consignment and how his wife pays the price for his crime. I loved the writing and execution, but was disappointed that the play ends without the husband learning of his wife's battery.
2. "The Purification" is a lyrical and musical play about a family torn apart by incestuous passions, leading to the murder of the daughter by her husband. The play includes a community trial of the husband, but the ending is unclear.
3. "The Lady of Larkspur Lotion" reminded me of O. Henry's short stories, with its high-handed, emotional, and dreamy language. It features characters who escape reality through addiction and remain mired in poverty.
4. "The Last of My Solid Gold Watches" is a sad tale of a man's glorious career and life coming to an end and his inability to cope. It also critiques the older generation's criticism of the new.
5. "Portrait of a Madonna" centers on a senile old spinster who imagines she has been raped by a former lover. It sheds light on the difficulties of old age and is a well-crafted piece.
6. "Auto-Da-Fé" tells the story of a mother and son, both suffering from nervous problems, compounded by a mysterious letter with lewd pictures and the possibility of a legal conviction. This leads to the son's nervous breakdown and the downfall of the household.
7. "Lord Byron's Love Letter" is about two women, a grandmother and her granddaughter, who live in an old family residence and display a love letter written by Lord Byron for a fee. It is both hilarious and a little disheartening, with the older woman's behavior and the couple who leaves without paying. The end reveals that the letter is actually from her grandfather.

I can't wait to get my hands on this book again and devour the remaining plays. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in drama.

It offers a unique and engaging exploration of human nature and relationships through the medium of short plays.

The diverse range of characters and themes ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy and思考.

Whether you are a fan of Tennessee Williams or simply looking for a new and exciting read, this collection is definitely worth checking out.
July 15,2025
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Short plays can be a wonderful form of entertainment, although I must admit that on occasion, some of them feel more like sketches than fully developed plays, which isn't always to my liking. However, that being said, there is still some really strong writing involved.

Among the collection, the best ones are undoubtedly the stories "27 Wagons Full of Cotton" and "The Last of My Solid Gold Watches". These two plays truly stand out with their engaging plots and well-crafted characters.

As for the rest of the short plays, I need to give them more thought and consideration. I'm not quite sure if they have the same level of quality and impact as the aforementioned two.

It's interesting to note that these short plays bear the unmistakable mark of Tennessee Williams. The atmosphere he creates is so recognizable, and it really draws the audience in. It's as if you can step right into the world of the play and experience everything along with the characters.

Tennessee Williams has a unique talent for writing, and it's evident in these short plays. Whether or not they are to everyone's taste, there's no denying the skill and artistry that went into their creation.

Overall, while the short plays may have their flaws, they still offer a great deal of enjoyment and insight into the mind of a brilliant playwright.
July 15,2025
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I read this book when I was in my early teens. Even now, at the age of 40, I can still vividly recall the mood it evoked within me.

It was a sense of self-oppressing, as if I was carrying a heavy burden on my shoulders. The story seemed to be teetering on the edge of a volcano, with an underlying tension that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The characters were so well-developed that I could feel their pain, their joy, and their struggles as if they were my own. The author's writing style was captivating, drawing me into the story and making it difficult for me to put the book down.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read. It is truly a masterpiece that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.
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