Who Wrote “A Streetcar Named Desire”
“A Streetcar Named Desire” is a play that opened on Broadway in December 1947. It is set in the French Quarter of New Orleans and follows the main character Blanche DuBois as she interacts with her sister Stella Kowalski and Stella’s dominant husband Stanley. The play has been immensely popular since it was first released and it has been adapted for television, film and has been made into both an opera and ballet. The play has won numerous awards and is still performed today. It is also a popular play for study by high school students. Let’s find out who wrote this important play.
Who wrote “A Streetcar Named Desire”?
A “A Streetcar Named Desire” was written by the famous American playwright Tennessee Williams. He was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Best Play in 1948 for his work. It was his work on “A Streetcar Named Desire” that secured his place as one of the top playwrights of the 20th century. The inspiration for the main character is thought to have come from Williams’ sister, Rose, who had mental health issues.
Did you know?
The original Broadway production featured the then unknown actor Marlon Brando in the role of Stanley. He was given a car fare to Tennessee Williams’ home and he gave a fantastic reading of the part that secured the role. Legend has it that he also performed some house repairs for Williams at the same time!
The 1951 film adaptation of the play was a huge success and Williams worked with Oscar Saul to create the screenplay. Three original members of Broadway production, including Brando, also worked on the film. It won four Academy Awards, including three out of the four acting categories. Brando was also nominated for Best Actor, but despite a strong performance did not win.
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