Poster Courtesy of Olivia Young.
Theatre Oxford began its fall season with the production of “Another Side of Tennessee Williams,” a tribute to one of Mississippi’s greatest writers, at the historic Powerhouse Community Arts Center.
The show, which ran from Thursday, Oct. 6, to Saturday, Oct. 8, premiered to a great response, as audiences were provided a glimpse into a different facet of the famed playwright’s canon.
Williams is best known for shaping the southern gothic genre, through the likes of “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” which are often considered some of the greatest melodramas in theatrical history.
He also contained an indelible sense of humor and wit, which the cast and crew of “Another Side…” remained eager to explore.
“I love that these plays are not typical of Tennessee Williams, and yet they are very Tennessee Williams,” Jack Barbera, director of “The Dog Enchanted by the Divine View,” said.
“The Dog Enchanted…” was the first of four short plays in the two-hour event. The remaining comedy works performed included “The Pretty Trap (A Comedy in One Act),” directed by Joe Atkins, as well as “The Case of the Crushed Petunias” and “Mister Paradise,” both directed by Karen Kohlhaas.
The elegantly produced plays garnered big laughs throughout, as the charismatic cast — a deft mixing of local newcomers and veteran actors — highlighted Williams’ unmistakable charm and playfulness.
“It was wonderful diving into a piece that felt very personal to Tennessee,” Courtney Dane Mize, who played the lead role in “The Case of the Crushed Petunias,” said. “Much like his other works, you can see a lot of his character and personality shine through.”
While regarded for his aforementioned self-serious stories, Williams was never afraid to poke fun at himself. The actors emphasized this buoyancy with the utmost commitment, even going so far as to confidently break the fourth wall at points.
Yet, the plays still contain engaging dramatic subtext and Williams’ uncanny feel for history, creating an important, timely dialogue between artist and audience.
“Today the world is interested in gunpowder. Poetry cannot compete with the sound of bursting shells,” the titular character said in “Mister Paradise.”
Moments like these transform seemingly timeless works into timely conversations.
“Lighthearted does not mean lightweight,” Barbera said. “(The plays) speak powerfully to our hearts when countries are threatened by rising forces of repression.”
Williams’ poeticism and intelligence makes so-called minor works feel major, and the series beautifully honored his legacy.
Theatre Oxford also honored the legacy of the late Colby Kullman, a professor of English at the University of Mississippi and an invaluable contributor to Oxford community arts. Receptions were held in honor of Colby before the show each night.
“His extensive knowledge of theater, passion for community and ability to foster growth enhanced Theatre Oxford and the greater theater community,” Kate Hooper, president of Theatre Oxford, said.
For more information on “Another Side of Tennessee Williams,” as well as upcoming shows, visit the Theatre Oxford website.
