Portrait of a Madonna

Tennessee William’s first sketch for what would become the iconic character Blanche DuBois, Portrait of a Madonna details the downfall of Miss Lucretia Collins, a middle aged spinster desperately trying to hold on to the dignity and dreams of her youth. Set in the living room of an apartment in New Orleans, Williams compresses his poetic understanding of the basic meaning of life — its tragedy, its bravery and its search for love — into the character of Ms. Collins and the onlookers who orchestrate her demise. Dedicated to “the talent and charm of Miss Lillian Gish,” Portrait would provide the launching pad for American stage star, Jessica Tandy, and her eventual casting in the groundbreaking Broadway production of A Streetcar Named Desire opposite Marlon Brando.

Playing in repertory with Suddenly Last Summer.