A Streetcar named Desire

The show staged at the Quirino Theater is based on the 1947 theatrical masterpiece by Tennessee Williams, and sees Mariangela D’Abbraccio and Daniele Pecci in the leading roles.

The drama, Pulitzer Prize in '47, caused a sensation in America when it was performed, due to the burning issues dealt with: it spoke of homosexuality, repressed desires, mental distress, the family seen as an oppressive place of heated contrasts, machismo, abused and humiliated femininity, social hypocrisy. The text highlighted the dark side of America and the American dream, thus quickly becoming a milestone in theater and cinema (the 1951 film version with Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh is famous).

Set in 1940s New Orleans, the play tells the story of Blanche DuBois who, after the foreclosure of her family home, moves in with her sister Stella married to a rough and vulgar man of Polish origin, Stanley Kowalsky. Blanche is an alcoholic, widow of a homosexual husband and tries, unsuccessfully, to build a saving relationship with Mitch, a friend of Stanley's. But the violent conflict that arises between her and Stanley will lead her to madness, already latent in Blanche.

The direction of the show, entrusted to Pier Luigi Pizzi, a great master of international fame, as well as a founder with Giorgio De Lullo, Romolo Valli and Rossella Falk of the "Young Company", knows how to make the most of all aspects of Williams' text by enhancing them, thanks also to the talent of the actors.

Photo credits: courtesy of Quirino Theater official site