The Truth About A Streetcar Named Desire Script Will Surprise You

Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire" is a cornerstone of American literature and theatre. Its raw portrayal of desire, delusion, and societal decay continues to captivate audiences and inspire artists. But behind the iconic scenes and unforgettable characters lies a complex and often surprising story about the script itself. This article delves into the truth about the "Streetcar Named Desire" script, revealing details that may reshape your understanding of this masterpiece.

Beyond the Perfume and Poetry: Unveiling the Script's Secrets

Many perceive "Streetcar Named Desire" as a polished, perfectly crafted work from its inception. However, the reality is far more nuanced. The play underwent significant revisions, faced censorship challenges, and even saw its original vision slightly altered during its journey to the stage and screen. Understanding these factors provides a deeper appreciation for the final product we know and love.

The Evolution of a Masterpiece: From Draft to Stage

The journey of "A Streetcar Named Desire" from initial concept to published script was not a smooth one. Williams was a meticulous writer who constantly revised and refined his work.

  • Multiple Drafts: The play went through numerous drafts, each exploring different facets of the characters and their relationships. Early versions experimented with different endings and character motivations.

  • The Influence of Elia Kazan: The renowned director Elia Kazan played a crucial role in shaping the script for its Broadway debut. He worked closely with Williams, suggesting changes that ultimately strengthened the dramatic impact and clarified the themes. While Kazan's contributions were invaluable, they also led to some controversy, as we'll see later.

  • Subtle Shifts in Character Portrayal: Kazan's influence led to a subtle but significant shift in the portrayal of Stanley Kowalski. While still a brutish and often violent character, Kazan aimed to present him with a degree of understanding, perhaps even sympathy. This interpretation has been debated ever since, with some critics arguing that it softened Stanley's culpability.

    • Censorship and Compromise: The Battles Behind the Scenes

    "A Streetcar Named Desire" tackled taboo subjects like sexuality, mental illness, and domestic violence. Consequently, the script faced significant censorship challenges, particularly during its adaptation for film.

  • The Hays Code: The Hays Code, a set of moral guidelines that governed Hollywood filmmaking from the 1930s to the late 1960s, severely restricted the portrayal of sensitive topics. This forced significant alterations to the film version of "Streetcar."

  • Softening the Blow: The film's ending, in particular, was heavily sanitized. The original stage play leaves Blanche's fate ambiguous, suggesting a permanent descent into madness. The film, however, offers a more hopeful, albeit still tragic, conclusion, implying that Blanche will receive proper care.

  • Cutting Sensitive Content: Scenes depicting Stanley's violence towards Stella and Blanche's promiscuity were toned down or removed altogether to appease censors. This inevitably diluted the play's raw power and emotional complexity.

    • The "Streetcar" Controversy: Kazan's Testimony and the Aftermath

    Elia Kazan's involvement with the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) in the 1950s casts a long shadow over his legacy and, indirectly, over the interpretation of "Streetcar Named Desire."

  • Naming Names: Kazan famously testified before HUAC and named former colleagues as members of the Communist Party. This act was highly controversial and led to him being ostracized by many in the artistic community.

  • Interpreting Stanley: Some critics argue that Kazan's testimony influenced his direction of "Streetcar," leading to a more sympathetic portrayal of Stanley, perhaps as a reflection of Kazan's own desire for understanding and acceptance.

  • Ongoing Debate: The debate surrounding Kazan's choices continues to this day, highlighting the complex relationship between art, politics, and personal ethics. It forces audiences to consider whether Kazan's personal actions should affect their interpretation of the play.

    • Different Versions, Different Interpretations: A Matter of Perspective

    The existence of multiple versions of the "Streetcar Named Desire" script, including the original stage play, the film adaptation, and various published editions, contributes to the ongoing debate about its true meaning.

  • Stage vs. Screen: The stage play offers the most unfiltered and uncompromising portrayal of the characters and their struggles. The film, while visually stunning, is inherently compromised by censorship and the limitations of the medium.

  • Published Editions: Different published editions of the play may include variations in dialogue and stage directions, reflecting different editorial choices and interpretations.

  • The Director's Vision: Ultimately, each director who stages "Streetcar Named Desire" brings their own unique vision to the material, influencing the actors' performances and the overall impact of the play.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Complexity and Enduring Power

The truth about the "A Streetcar Named Desire" script is that it's not a static entity but a dynamic and evolving work shaped by artistic collaboration, censorship pressures, and historical context. Understanding the script's journey, the compromises made, and the controversies surrounding it allows for a richer and more nuanced appreciation of this enduring masterpiece. Despite the challenges, "Streetcar Named Desire" continues to resonate with audiences, reminding us of the fragility of the human spirit and the enduring power of desire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Did Tennessee Williams approve of the changes made to the film version of "A Streetcar Named Desire"?

While Williams publicly acknowledged the necessity of some changes due to the Hays Code, he reportedly had mixed feelings about the film. He appreciated the performances but felt that the sanitized ending diluted the play's original message.

2. What are the key differences between the stage play and the film version of "A Streetcar Named Desire"?

The most significant differences involve the ending and the depiction of violence and sexuality. The film offers a more hopeful ending for Blanche and tones down the explicit content to comply with censorship regulations.

3. How did Elia Kazan's involvement with HUAC affect his interpretation of "Streetcar Named Desire"?

This is a subject of ongoing debate. Some critics argue that Kazan's desire for redemption after testifying before HUAC influenced him to portray Stanley Kowalski with more sympathy, potentially softening his culpability for Blanche's downfall.

4. Are there different published versions of the "Streetcar Named Desire" script?

Yes, different published editions may contain variations in dialogue, stage directions, and introductory essays, reflecting different editorial choices and interpretations.

5. Where can I find the original, uncensored version of the "Streetcar Named Desire" script?

The original stage play script, as written by Tennessee Williams, is the closest you'll get to an uncensored version. Look for editions specifically labeled as the "stage play" or "original script."