Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire is a complex play with contrasts at the heart of it. When you sit in Theatre Calgary and Citadel Theatre’s co-production of the famous narrative, you experience a rollercoaster of emotions. This production is so very well done, with immense talent and transitions complete with songs and a live band. But A Streetcar Named Desire is a story filled with brutality and in a world of slow burn brutality, it’s a bit of a hard narrative to take in. It’s a bit hard to watch the total and complete destruction of Blanche and anticipate the violence of Stanley. But maybe bearing witness is something we as a society need to practice.
This production features some impeccable performances, especially from Lindsey Angell as Blanche, striking a delicate balance between victim and perpetrator. Stafford Perry’s Stanley is dangerously violent while also portraying a stubborn child, while Heidi Damayo’s Stella ties the trio together perfectly. Damayo’s Stella embodies this woman who has chosen the life she’s living, with the whirlwind of highs and lows, but she does what she wants to keep going, riding that streetcar. Devon Brayne’s Steve and Sheldon Elter’s Harold embody their roles as Stanley’s entourage, and Katelyn Morishita shines as Eunice and songstress. The ensemble play the various roles and add to the story unfolding centre stage.
There are a few things that made this production compelling, other than the raw talent on stage. Such as director Daryl Cloran’s decision to have musicians build on the tension created by the story with composition by Joelysa Pankanea. Songs crooned by Katelyn Morishita are a nice touch in this production. Brian Dudkiewicz’s set design allows for the musicians to be seen in transition between scenes. His set design of the small apartment on the Max Bell stage, while also being able to see the street outside, allows the audience to see all the actions of the characters. Bonnie Beecher’s lighting design displays neon signs through the painted background, contrasting the dominant themes of refined versus cheap. Jessica Oostergo’s costume design also plays with the contrasts, having Blanche wear white and cream tones that symbolize riches while the rest of the cast are in earthy tones of reality.
Theatre Calgary and Citadel Theatre’s production of A Streetcar Named Desire is refined. It has taken every aspect of William’s script and brought it to life in a compelling way. It examines mental health and domestic violence so thoroughly, that even though William’s script was written 80 years ago, it still resonates. It’s not a feel good play, but it’s a stunning production.
A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams runs at Theatre Calgary until February 23rd. More information is available online.
Photo: (l to r) Heidi Damayo, Lindsey Angell, Stafford Perry in A Streetcar Named Desire. Credit: Trudie Lee