About

The Octagon presents another masterpiece of American theatre with Tennessee Williams' most famous play: the extraordinarily moving and lyrical A Streetcar Named Desire.

Blanche DuBois arrives unexpectedly on the doorstep of her sister, Stella, in a vibrant corner of post-war New Orleans.  A fading Southern belle with apparently refined and delicate sensibilities, Blanche immediately clashes with Stella's volatile husband Stanley.  But when he starts to delve into his sister-in-law's past, he makes shocking discoveries that set them on a violent collision course.

As the sound of jazz music from the local bars penetrates the night air, Blanche's hold on reality begins to fade, along with her chances of finding the love she craves.

The play transformed the nature of American theatre in the Twentieth Century and went on to win countless awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Best Drama.  It became an Oscar-winning film that made a superstar out of the previously unknown actor, Marlon Brando.

 

"One of the greatest American plays"
The Observer

A Streetcar Named Desire is presented through special arrangements with the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee.