I must admit that I have yet to read Tennessee Williams ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’. Perhaps this added to my overall feeling after the play last night at Derry’s Playhouse!
Set in the French Quarter of New Orleans during the restless years after WWII, the play tells the story of Blanche Dubois, a fragile and neurotic woman on a desperate prowl for someplace in the world to call her own. Having been exiled from her hometown for seducing a seventeen year old schoolboy, she appears on her sister Stella’s doorstep with a series of financial calamities which have claimed the family plantation. The experience defines Stella’s relationship with her husband Stanley!. As rumours of Blanche’s past begin to catch up on her, her situation and circumstances become unbearable.
Last night’s show was produced and directed entirely by the senior class of Carmel McCafferty School of Drama. Credit must certainly go out to this young cast. In particular to the leading role played by Aideen Porter. She excelled at her portrayal of the emotionally challenged Blanche. Her accent remained intact throughout as did her fantastic acting.
However, I was a little disillusioned with the ending being staged at the very beginning. It immediately had me questioning various areas of the production. A number of the students failed in clear dialect with their accents. It was difficult at times to hear and understand the dialogue. At other times, there were actors sitting on stage not really playing a part!
I spoke to a number of students at the play last night and they enjoyed the show but were again disappointed with the ending being cast at the beginning. A good production was certainly staged, but a little more work would have enhanced it a lot.
I can say I enjoyed the night irrespective of the little criticisms. It has instilled in me the need to read the play and to possibly watch the movie starring Brando and Taylor!
North West Culture Gal 