A two room apartment in New Orleans during a hot summer is the location for Tennessee Williams story of Blanche DuBois, destitute and unstable, who descends upon her sister, Stella, and her Polish husband, Stanley. What follows in this claustrophobic atmosphere is a tempestuous social and sexual conflict that ends tragically.
Director, Mark Wilson, and his creative team have put a great deal of thought and innovation into this production which not only utilises a fine set but has some of the action take place amongst the audience thereby drawing them into the process. Even the scene changes are carried out within the context of the story.
As Blanche, Lauren Varnfield gives a brilliant performance – albeit a flawed one. She captures well the character’s neurosis and fragility through exquisite body movement and subtle facial expressions. It is in her vocal delivery that she falls short. During her quieter speeches she allows her voice to drop and she becomes inaudible.
Emmett Friel takes on the role of Stanley and, although he brings out the character’s uncouthness and is good at expressing his anger and rage, he is not the animal that the part calls for.
There are rock solid performances from Arabella Gibbins, as Stella torn between the love for her husband and for her sister, and from Warren Saunders as Mitch. His awkward courtship scenes with Blanche are beautifully realised with a gauche tenderness.
Even with my reservations this is still a production whose qualities make it well worth seeing.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article