For more than 30 years,
internationally renowned playwright Tennessee Williams lived in a
cottage on a quiet Key West street. The grand opening of an exhibit
honoring Williams’ literary prowess and longtime residence is to be
staged Friday, March 22, kicking off an early birthday celebration for
the playwright who was born March 26, 1911.
Williams first visited Key West in 1941. In the late 1940s he
purchased the 1431 Duncan St. house that remained his home until his
death in 1983. He completed “Summer and Smoke” in Key West and wrote
“Night of the Iguana” among other works.
The Academy Award–winning film adaptation of Williams’ play, “The
Rose Tattoo,” was shot on the island in the 1950s, and the Tennessee
Williams Theatre opened in 1980 with the world premiere of his play,
“Will Mr. Merriweather Return From Memphis?”
The ribbon-cutting and opening reception for the exhibit, located
at 513 Truman Ave. behind the Key West Business Guild Visitor Center,
are set for 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 22.
The free-admission exhibit focuses on Williams’ Key West years
while exploring his beliefs and legacy. Highlights include personal
photographs of the playwright at home with his partner and friends,
original posters of local productions of his plays, books of poetry and
drama, playbills, a typewriter Williams used in Key West and more. The celebration is to continue Saturday, March 23, with guided
exhibit tours led by curator and producer Dennis Beaver. The tours are
free and scheduled for noon to 4 p.m.
An open house and party commemorating Williams’ birthday
anniversary, complete with cake, are planned for noon to 4 p.m. Sunday,
March 24, at the visitor center and exhibit gallery. The public is
invited.
The Tennessee Williams exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Event information: Exhibit producer and curator Dennis Beaver at 305-294-3121
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