Depending on who’s having the conversation, it’s frequently surmised that Marlon Brando owes much of his success to one play: A Streetcar Named Desire. At the time of his debut in the play, there was talk that because of his unknown status that he initially wasn’t even the first casting choice. Yet he’d end up taking the stage, and the rest is history. Surely Brando’s continued success can be attributed to his acting skill, but there’s very little doubt that Tennessee William’s popular play gave him some much needed exposure. Brando in turn, would elevate the prestige of the play.
A Streetcar Named Desire. At the time of his debut in the play, there was talk that because of his unknown status that he initially wasn’t even the first casting choice
A Streetcar Named Desire is one of Williams’ most acclaimed works, and after Brando’s stint onstage (as well as in the film) the play would see numerous revivals for years to come. It would do so again in 2014 at the Young Vic in London, headlining a generation of performers who’ve been making their name in TV and film for the last few decades. The X Files’ Gillian Anderson would take the on the role of Blanche whilst steading rising talent Ben Foster would stand in as Stanley. In the play, Blanche is a Mississippi woman with a past who shows up in New Orleans on the doorstep of Stella and Stanley. Stella is initially taken in by Blanche’s personality and vague background, but Stanley isn’t all the way convinced. Soon, Blanche’s presence only serves to drive a wedge between Stella and Stanley’s already tense relationship.
The acting is what counts in a Tennessee Williams production, and the actors in this production carry the show as expected. Ben Foster is no Marlon Brando but few actors are, and Foster still makes more than a favourable impression as Stanley. His performance brings the necessary aggression and suspicion needed to portray someone as volatile as Stanley, even going so far as to make the role his own and ignore the prior performances of others. Gillian Anderson stands head and shoulders above the rest though. Though acting in a show together with others isn’t a competition, Anderson shines in ways that simply leave others with only having moments here or there. Her chemistry with everyone is unmatched and her commitment to playing Blanche physically and emotionally is almost so real that it would not even be believable had it not been recorded or seen in real time. Everyone does a fine job, but without her the ship sinks.
The National Theatre was gracious enough to record this, and so it’s now available for viewing in their online catalogue. Which is great because even though theatre is meant to be viewed live in the moment, not everyone has the opportunity to be present for performances like these. Through recordings such as this version of A Streetcar Named Desire, Williams’ work can live on and reach newer audiences. It’s also an excellence showcase of actors who are sometimes overlooked or perhaps just not given a chance to be a star, or even just a lead.
