works. Images and characters in a poem he drafted in 1939 during his
first visit to New Orleans titled “Vieux Carré,” later appear in short
stories, essays, one-acts, and finally his full-length play Vieux Carré
from 1977, nearly forty years later. A couple of cartoonish “floozies”
written for an early curtain raiser later appear as comical characters
in The Rose Tattoo. The image of a mother saying a blessing with her
children before a meal at the beginning of The Glass Menagerie in
1945 is the final image of his last full-length play, A House Not Meant
to Stand, in 1982. These literary gems, some well-known and others
downright rare, will be read by some of the 2020 Festival’s brightest
literary and theatrical lights, including Maureen Corrigan, Adeline
Dieudonné, Jewelle Gomez, Saeed Jones, Jacob Storms, Colm
Tóibín, and Kathleen Turner. The reading is hosted by editor and
scholar Thomas Keith and curated by Keith and Festival Director
Paul J. Willis.Pre-party with light fare and a cash bar at 6:30.
Performance at 7:30
Sponsored by a generous grant from the New Orleans Theatre Association.
New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint, $35 or VIP Pass
March 26-27, 2020
See sections on Theater Offerings, Scholars Conference, and
Walking Tours. Use the schedule grids and map to plan your best
day at the Festival.
9 AM – 4 PM—Scholars Conference
25th Annual Tennessee Williams Scholars Conference directed by
Robert Bray
See page 13
9 – 10:15 AM—Writer’s Craft Session
ANDREI CODRESCU—THE PERSONAL VOICE
Andrei Codrescu is one of America’s most versatile writers of poetry
and prose, both fictional and nonfictional. In addition to his writing,
he is also known to the millions who’ve listened to his commentary on
NPR. In this session, Codrescu discusses how he developed his own
personal voice that gave him an edge in both of these mediums and
the importance of having such a unique and recognizable style. He’ll
also discuss his most recent volume of poems, No Time Like Now, and
his edited collection of 19th Century writer Lafcadio Hearn’s Japanese
fairy tales. Susan Larson of WWNO’s The Reading Life will facilitate
the discussion.
The Historic New Orleans Collection, $25, Combo Pass, or VIP
Pass
8 – 10 PM—Special Event
POETRY SLAM
Resident word maestro Chuck Perkins is back to host New Orleans’
finest performance poets in a fierce spoken word battle. You could
be among the audience members called upon to judge the poetic
proceedings and crown the 2020 Slam winner. No experience is
necessary to be a judge, but a good ear and a willingness to be thrilled
is essential. And, if you have some good rhymes to share and an
appetite to compete, come early and sign up from 7:30-7:45. The
evening will also feature live music by Lolly Mariah and Yisrael, and
pianist Dave Geare.
Sponsored by Paige Royer and Kerry Clayton.
Café Istanbul, $5 in advance, $10 at the door, or VIP Pass.
FRIDAY, MARCH 27
9 AM – 4 PM
Box Office (Queen Anne B) and Book Fair (Queen Anne A) at the
Hotel Monteleone.
Buy books by Festival authors prior to attending their sessions and
find books about New Orleans and Tennessee Williams. Thanks to
Garden District Book Shop for hosting our Book Fair.
MARCH 25-29, 2020
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