A NEW adaptation of a Pulitzer Prize-winning play made famous by film stars Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh is to be staged in Greenock.

‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ by Scottish company Rapture Theatre is heading to the Beacon Arts Centre later this month as part of a nationwide tour.

The iconic American masterpiece will transport audiences to the sensual, sultry surroundings of New Orleans as southern belle Blanche DuBois seeks solace with her sister, Stella, after her world starts to crumble. But her downward spiral brings her face-to-face with Stella’s husband — the attractive but brutal Stanley Kowalski.

As temperatures soar and passions rise, Blanche and Stanley battle for Stella’s soul.

Based on the legendary Pulitzer-winning play by Tennessee Williams, ‘Streetcar’ was immortalised in film by Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh.

This new production features a cast of 10 top-class performers under the direction of Rapture’s Michael Emans, following on from the critical and popular success earlier this year with ‘Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?’.

Michael said: “I am thrilled to have assembled such an eclectic and highly-talented cast to join me on the dark and disturbing journey into the passionate, whirlwind world of Streetcar.

“I hope that, together, we will create a powerful new perspective on one of the greatest masterpieces of theatre.”

The play has received rave reviews and stars Gina Isaac, who leads the cast as Blanche, multi award-winning Scottish actor Billy Mack as Steve and critically-acclaimed Scottish actress and theatre-maker Julia Taudevin taking on the pivotal role of Stella.

Michael said: “This year, the 70th anniversary of the play’s original production, we celebrate the timelessness of Streetcar.

“It presents us with an unflinchingly bold examination of sexual politics and prejudice, morality and identity that resonates powerfully today.

“It highlights the highly prescient topic of mental illness and lays bare the cultural and social tensions between an ‘immigrant’ diaspora and those who consider themselves to be the ‘native’ population.

“Streetcar is unflinching in its questioning of reality, forcing all of us to confront our own self-protective, self-created fantasies and illusions.

“Despite such powerful themes, the play also remains a very human story, its impact achieved through its strong and convincing characterisation and powerful, poetic language.”

The tour kicked off on September 1 and arrives at the Beacon on Tuesday September 26 at 7.30pm.
For tickets visit www.beaconartscentre.co.uk or call 723723.