It may be a play that was written in 1947, but Tennessee Williams' 'A Streetcar Named Desire' continues to possess some extremely relevant and timely themes.
Stella Kowalski lives in New Orleans, in a run-down but charming flat with her husband Stanley. Her sister Blanche DuBois arrives on her doorstep after losing the family home, and all of her money. When Blanche meets Stanley, there is instant unrest in the atmosphere, and Blanche senses a man with more depth than his exterior suggests.
'Streetcar' touches on a number of issues including rape, domestic violence and poverty. It is amusing at times, but also heavy with sorrow and sadness.
Bridie Carter ('McLeod's Daughters') is captivating as the extravagant Blanche, accurately depicting her slowly unfolding anxiety. This is, in part, due to the role's ability to let Bridie shine, but primarily a result of her experience and pure talent. Her comedic timing is irresistible, as she tries to make herself at home in Stella's flat and far-too-obviously lies about having more than one or two drinks on the odd occasion.
Travis McMahon terrifies as Stanley. His deep, echoing voice makes you jump every now and then, and one scene involving him and an old radio is particularly frightening. Stella is portrayed by Ngoc Phan as a gentle woman, with the desire to please her husband and be the best wife she can be.
The obvious heritage discrepancy between Caucasian Bridie and Asian Ngoc as on-stage sisters evaporates quickly, such is Ngoc’s wonderful portrayal of a southern gal.
The challenge of demonstrating the fury and horror of domestic violence and abuse is a difficult one, but the cast manage to trigger gasps throughout the audience, and leave an eerie trail behind their words.
Between scenes, 'The Voice''s Kristal West – who is also a cast member, along with fellow musician Parmis Rose – performs short snippets of songs that further create a solemn and thought-provoking atmosphere.
Mitch (played by Colin Smith) is soft and calm, a welcome departure from the rugged nature of his mates. He instills a sense of peacefulness into Blanche, something that she visibly treasures in her chaotic state.
The contrast between the testosterone-heavy card games and the fragile femininity of the two women is striking, and helps to communicate the innocence of a domestic abuse sufferer against the unforgivable fury of the perpetrator.
'A Streetcar Named Desire' is full of the lightheartedness of a comedy, with the despair of a drama, creating a mood that makes the audience think about and reflect on things that aren't often touched on in the theatre.
★★★★☆ 1/2.
