Tennessee Williams Notes
The Morgan Uncovers the Writer's Inspiration
Tennessee Williams, who was actually born in Mississippi, was one of the most celebrated and beloved playwrights of the 20th Century. The many inspirations of his theater work is the focus of a superb exhibit at the Morgan Library and Museum. His most famous and performed plays are at the center of the show: Battle of Angels, The Glass Menagerie, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Rose Tattoo, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and Orpheus Descending. The exhibition is filled with Williams’ personal artifacts, including original drafts, drawings, and photographs, allowing a rare and intimate look into the creative process of this bigger-than-life writer. Disciples of his work will love seeing the birth and development of one his most important pieces, A Streetcar Named Desire.
There are personal items as well, for the true fans of Williams, including photos of his lovers, his own artwork, pages from his diaries, and his typewriter. If you’re looking for even more southern drama, the museum is also showing the films of his work over the next few months, including The Rose Tattoo and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
Tennessee Williams: No Refuge but Writing is currently on view at the Morgan Library & Museum through May 13, 2018.
