I remember borrowing the book, A Street Car Named Desire, from CJ when I was in high school. It was not because it was a literary classic written by Tennessee Williams but because of the cover, the young Marlon Brando. I didn’t know he can look that gorgeous because I know him as the fat guy from the Island of Dr. Moreau. Ok, I’m mortified to admit that it was only the cover that made the major impression during my adolescence.
To redeem myself, I was thrilled to see it once I learned that it will be mounted on stage this year. Though still interested in Marlon Brando’s role, I want to find out more why Blanche Dubois depended on the kindness of strangers. And of course, what the hell is a street car named Desire?
Three’s a company
Blanche Dubois, an English teacher from Laurel, came down to New Orleans to visit her sister Stella. She tells her about losing their ancestral property, Belle Reve. Stanley Kowalski, Stella’s husband, was surprised with the visit of his fussy sister-in-law. Learning about the family’s misfortune, he starts to distrust Blanche.
Stella was caught in between her sister and husband’s daily bickering. She tries her best to take care of her sister while being a good wife. Stanley’s suspicion leads him to investigate about Blanche. He learns how Blanche was despised by the people of Laurel, the town where she practices teaching. He told Stella about the lies told to them by Blanche. He also discloses this to Harold Mitchell, his friend who proposed to Blanche, to save him from embarrassment.
Blanche finally broke down after Stanley coerced her to confess the truth. She was sent to a mental asylum by her sister.
Women of substance
Tanghalang Pilipino mounts “A Street Car named Desire” for it’s 23 rd season. Floy Quintos directs both English and Filipino production. The English production which premiered on October 9, 2009; the Filipino version “Flores para los Muertos” will open next weekend.
Ana Abad Santos plays the capricious Blanche Dubois complete with old Hollywood glamour and southern accent. Mailes Kanapi essayed the role of the devoted wife and sister, Stella Kowalski. Marlon Brando’s role was taken by Reuben Uy.
The audience was brought into the Kowalski’s household and observe how stressful the environment was for Stella, Stanley and Blanche. Ana gives out a very powerful performance as a woman who’s trying to hide something from her sister. Her nuances shows that she’s scared that Stella would find out what really happened, why they lost Belle Reve.
Citing the Napoleonic code, Stanley was very much intrigued with his wife’s family’s misfortune. Reuben was very effective in taunting Blanche to reveal her secrets. He portrayed the role with so much machismo. You really could see him as a blue collar worker, sweating and smelling the part.
Stella (Mailes Kanapi) defends her sister against her husband who is skeptical about her person while trying to be a faithful wife. Her role is very important to keep the peace in the Kowalski household. For me, it is actually Stella who stands as a woman of substance because she remains to be dutiful to her relationships.
The relationship between Stella and Blanche was actually very strong. Stella could have been easily swayed by the suspicion of Stanley against her sister. Despite being blamed for leaving her the gargantuan task of governing their family’s estate, Stella showed understanding of her sisters pain.
As the story progress, I am doubting if Stanley really loved Stella. He was so curious to find out on how Belle Reve was lost from mortgage. Is he really concerned about the family’s welfare or he just wants to get a share from the sales of the property?
These were the questions left to me after watching the show. It’s not a bad thing that there questions left hanging in my mind after seeing the play. In life, we don’t really get to answer the questions right away. There are things that you get to figure out later on in life. You look back and you re-discover things as you experience more.
At least now, I have a deeper understanding of Desire. And I can say it’s beyond Marlon Brando’s photo.
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