A Streetcar Named Desire
★★★★☆ Taut
Lyceum Theatre: Thurs 24 Oct – Sat 9 Nov 2024.
Review by Sophie Good
Originally staged at Pitlochry Festival Theatre in their 2023 summer season, this multi-layered production of A Streetcar Names Desire sets alight this classic tale of love, lust and betrayal set in a sultry New Orleans.
Many people are familiar with some aspect of Tennessee Williams’ 1947 play, if only the iconic shouting of ‘Stella!’ by Marlon Brando as her brutish husband Stanley in the 1951 movie adaptation. Elizabeth Newman directs this production, which tours to the Lyceum until November 9, with a deft control of Williams’ laser sharp shifts in mood, tone and – most importantly – empathy, to keep the audience on their toes.
Nalini Chetty (Stella) and Kirsty Stuart (Blanche). Pic: Fraser Band
The set design from Emily James brings to life Stanley and Stella’s existence in their small apartment in the French quarter of New Orleans. Little is seen of the outside world, just the spiral staircase that leads to the apartment above. It’s a claustrophobic atmosphere, with the rotating set, creaking and groaning with each turn, enabling us to see things from different angles, just like the play itself.
Kirsty Stuart is mesmerising as Stella’s sister, Blanche, in a trademark ivory coloured outfit. Blanche is often compared to a butterfly and one who is preoccupied with her appearance. Stuart’s Blanche is a more self-assured self-possessed woman, one whose lies and misdemeanours are more credible even to herself. There is less fragility right up until the climax of the play; this duality is played so convincingly that it is the lynchpin to the success of the piece.
Blanche’s precarious position in the household she joins is somewhat hopelessly aided by Stella – a convincing and nuanced performance from Nalini Chetty. Not as lustful or passionate as other portrayals of Stella, but steadfast and loyal to the lubricious Stanley as ever she can be, in spite of his flaws or perhaps, because of them. Her part in Blanche’s downfall is as sympathetic and torn as is needed to appreciate the heartbreak of her decision – and it stays with you.
physically intimidating
Matthew Trevannion is physically intimidating as Stanley, all ape-ish arms and animal-like movements. His facade, unlike Blanche’s, quickly slips: revealing the vice-like grip he has over his household and friends. His home is his territory and Blanche’s presence exacerbates his need for control. Trevannion’s tendency to shout much of his dialogue is on the edge of being over-used and would certainly challenge the vocal abilities of most actors.
Nalini Chetty (Stella),Kirsty Stuart (Blanche) and Matthew Trevannion (Stanley). Pic: Fraser Band
Moodily lit by Jeanine Byrne, the sultry atmosphere with long shadows and smoke effects recreates the feeling of long hot nights in the Southern summer so accurately that the auditorium itself starts to feel uncomfortably warm. This is not helped by an uneven split of the two acts; the first running at 90 minutes and the second just half that. The jazzy soundtrack from Pippa Murphy adds to the atmosphere and helps to lift the pace which sometimes lacks in the first half.
The poker games, the ultimate male territory where women are not welcome and men do not tolerate interruptions, takes place right in the middle of the stage where Blanche’s tiny pull out bed is taking up much needed space. Keith MacPherson’s Mitch is played with understated non-alpha male qualities and gives a believable way out. For a while, at least.
sidelines
The women of the piece are forced to the sidelines and into the bedroom where they cannot be free to speak their minds, for the acoustics do not allow them any privacy. They must dress and talk and store their belongings right there, under the male gaze. Some of the most engaging scenes in the production are when Stella and Blanche speak to each other plainly and alone – their conflict and frustration at their lack of choices are stark and real.
The Pitlochry Festival Theatre production of A Streetcar Named Desire. Pic: Fraser Band
Many of the themes feel very relevant in 2024 – Blanche choosing to yell ‘fire’, not ‘help’ when Mitch is threatening to take what he wants from her is a smart move. Blanche’s inability to gain any financial independence and her lack of choices make it easy to see how those around her are able to take her down. She is a woman of great intellect and charm but when down on her luck, even her wits cannot save her.
heartbreaking
As Blanche exits in what must be one of the most heartbreaking and impactful final scenes in 20th century drama – we feel the walls crumble for all of the characters in this well rounded and intricate power play which is ultimately won by the men in charge, who continue with their game of poker.
Running time: Two hours and 45 mins (including one interval)
Lyceum Theatre, Grindlay Street EH3 9AX. Phone booking: 0131 248 4848.
Thurs 24 Oct – Sat 9 Nov 2024.
Daily (not Mon): 7.30pm. Wed, Sat mat: 2.30pm.
Tickets and details: Book here.
Matthew Trevannion as Stanley and Kirsty Stuart as Blanche in PFT’s A Streetcar Named Desire. Pic: Fraser Band.
ENDS
