Enjoy an intimate look at a Tennessee Williams that only his greatest publisher and dearest friend, James Laughlin, would have known—all through the vehicle of their personal letters to one another. Presented by stationer Nancy Sharon Collins and local actors, this staged reading includes selections from The Luck of Friendship: The Letters of Tennessee Williams and James Laughlin, edited by Peggy L. Fox and Thomas Keith.
The performance is part of the New Orleans Tennessee Williams Literary Festival.
About the performance: Late in 1942, two strangers formed a friendship over the mutual love for the poetry of Hart Crane, lasting more than 40 years and spanning the robust working relationship between Williams the author, and Laughlin his editor and “literary conscience.” James Laughlin founded the New Directions publishing house, which remains Williams’ publisher representing some of his greatest works, including The Glass Menagerie, his novels, short stories, and other plays. Revealed in these private letters is Laughlin’s patient and trusting guidance in managing the creation of some of the finest theatrical works of the 20th century. With emcee Chris Kaminstein, New Orleans-based writer, director, performer, and Co-Artistic Director of Goat in the Road Productions.
This is a special LETTERS READ. For the afternoon performance we will be treated to readings by nine local performing artists:
Augustin Correro
Nick Shackleford
Robert Valley
Dante Fuoco
Jean Allemond
Colin Miller
Reed Everette
Dorian Bennett
Wes McWhorter
LETTERS READ is a series of live events in which local performing artists interpret personal letters written by culturally vital individuals from various times and New Orleans communities and is an ongoing series presented by stationer Nancy Sharon Collins and Antenna.