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A Streetcar Named Desire at the National Theatre

Jennifer Clapp

Themes of jealousy, lust, hope, and denial run through this classic Tennessee Williams play set in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1947.

A gigantic, amazingly detailed set sets the atmosphere for the play—the audience gets the impression of thick, humid air that almost feels as thick as the tension on the stage between Blanche DuBois and the Kowalskis.

Although American Southern accents were at times a bit strained, the cast did an excellent job of portraying the different classes among southerners, and difference in social structure. Understudy Wendy Morgan was most notable in her portrayal of Blanche; her charm and flair for drama were very believable as those of a Deep Southern belle. Iain Gen and Robert Pastorelli were perfect contrasts of New Orleans working class men.

The Lyttelton Theatre is the perfect stage to showcase the talents of the cast and crew of this production. A Streetcar Named Desire will leave audience members longing for a hot summer day and an encounter with eccentricity

National Theatre 020 7452 3000

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