Chereigna Dixion
Guest Writer
“The Glass Menagerie”, an American classic play by critically acclaimed playwright Tennessee Williams, makes its debut on the campus of Jackson State University.
The Department of Speech Communication will be presenting “The Glass Menagerie” and it promises to be a story that is surely to leave audiences wanting for more.
The story is introduced by Tom Wingfield, the narrator and protagonist, who shares his recollection of his mother Amanda and sister Laura. This searing drama of a family’s struggle with the past, the future, and one another must somehow find hope while dealing with external and internal complications.
Yolanda Williams MFA, Director, feels the play is something that everyone will find relatable.
“This is a story about a family trying to find their own piece of happiness in the world,” said Williams.
Williams has directed several productions at JSU, including her most recent work, “In the Red and Brown Water” by Tarell Alvin McCraney.
Williams could have chosen a plethora of works by Tennessee Williams, but she was especially drawn to this particular play. As a fan of the American classics, Williams saw “The Glass Menagerie” as the perfect choice.
She said, “Mississippi is full of great writers and playwrights and this classic tale presents the perfect opportunity to introduce his work on our stage, to our students and our community.”
The beauty of any play is the ability to bridge the gap between page and stage almost seamlessly. In order to do this, the director must create an intimate relationship with the playwright’s words in order to capture his/her vision without losing their own.
It was this belief that Williams said, “When I have a play, I start off dissecting and breaking down a script. I figure out what story I want to tell.” Williams stated, “With this production, “The Glass Menagerie”, the story I wanted to focus on is the effects on a son when a father disappears. What are the struggles in a household, how does he take care of his the family, grow as a man, tackle the world, nurture his own dreams, and not break down? What happens when he wants to find his own way? What happens when he needs to escape?”
“The Glass Menagerie” premieres in the Rose E. McCoy Auditorium on Feb. 26-27. Other showings include: March1 at 3 p.m.; March 2 at 7:30 p.m.; and special school performances on Feb. 27 and March 2 at 1 0a.m.
Tickets are $5 for students and senior adults and $10 general admission. For more information call 601-979-5956 or 601-979-4309. Tickets are also available online 10.14.12.245/speechandtheatre.
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