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Adaptations of Streetcar

Updated: Nov 9, 2021



In the Internet Archive’s adaptation of “A Streetcar Named Desire”, the characters stay most loyal to the script compared to the version of the National Theatre and the stage production of the play. This version of the play has accurately depicted the main characters, Stanley, Stella and Blanche. Stella is shocked, however remains loyal to Blanche despite Stanley’s stories. On the other hand, this adaptation of the play delineates Stanley’s controlling and dominant attitude in scene 7. Compared to the other two versions of the play, in the Internet Archive’s version Stanley is being more compassionate and more caring towards Stella which is evident through his tone and body language (compassionate tone, leans gently on her shoulder, etc). Blanche maintains the “southern belle” faced by pretending to be the most innocent person in the room while Stanley had just unrevealed her secrets and had exposed her to Stella. Unlike in the other two versions of the play, in this one when coming out of the bathroom, the audience is able to see Blanche’s frightened expression when looking at Stanley that is mentioned in the script.


In the National Theatre’s version of the play, the characters seem to be more exaggerated when comparing them with the Internet Archive’s adaptation. This scene is a little unique as it has been filmed in the theatre itself unlike the Internet Archive’s version that is more like a movie making it a more direct interpretation of the play comparing it with this one. Blanche appears mostly drunk as well as more outgoing throughout the play. This version does not stick entirely to the script like the first adaptation and the scene’s dialogue is not correctly interpreted.


In the third adaptation of the play, the stage production, the characters stay substantially loyal to the script. Stanley appears more aggressive towards Stella compared to the other versions by screaming at her for not being capable to see the truth about Blanche and the real reason of why she came to New Orleans, demonstrating his controlling attitude over other the characters in the play. This adaptation does not show Blanche's frightened expression when coming out of the bathroom, on the contrary she is presented as unaware of how devious and manipulative she truly is and she appears to have no idea of what is going on.


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