Cal Poly Theatre and Dance to Present ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ Feb. 23-25 and March 1-3

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Cal Poly’s Theatre and Dance Department will bring Tennessee Williams’ classic play “A Streetcar Named Desire” to the Spanos Theatre at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 23- 25 and March 1-3.

“A Streetcar Named Desire”is considered a hallmark of the American theater. It follows the gradual unraveling of Blanche DuBois, a Southern belle of days gone by. Blanche’s arrival on the doorstep of her younger sister, Stella, and Stella’s brutish husband, Stanley, marks a collision of worlds: the ideals of the Old South with the pulsing sensuality of 1940s New Orleans.

The play combines poetic fantasy with gritty reality and performed gentility with forceful desire, according to director and Cal Poly Professor Virginia Anderson. “Dark secrets penetrate the household and, savagely confronted with glaring truths, Blanche fiercely fights for emotional survival as she descends into an enduring conflation of memories, torment and madness,” Anderson said. “Our production celebrates the rich cultural heritage the city continues to extend beyond its geographic boundaries. Williams’ poetic piece reflects its New Orleans’ roots through its passionate, violent and often humorous portrayal of humanity, vulnerability and a ferocious determination to persevere despite nature and man’s most vicious cruelty.”

Premiering in 1946, “Streetcar” earned Williams a New York’s Critics Circle Award and a Pulitzer Prize. “The Cal Poly production embraces the play’s prominence in American culture, acknowledging the iconic performances of Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh in the 1951 film as well as the popularity of parodies such as those featured on ‘The Simpsons’ and ‘Modern Family,’” Anderson said.

Department chair Tim Dugan designed the sets, faculty member Thomas John Bernard created the costumes, and Peter Hadres from the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Santa Maria served as choreographer. In addition, the production employs almost 40 students from across the Cal Poly campus.

The production contains depictions of violence and brief nudity and is recommended for mature audiences.

Tickets are $15 for the general public, $12 for students, seniors, and Cal Poly faculty and staff members. For tickets, call the Performing Arts Ticket Office at 805-756-2787.

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