THE WRITERS OF THE CWE: TENNESSEE WILLIAMS

 

He’s not from Tennessee and doesn’t have any particular connection with the state. It was his pen name. Thomas Lanier Williams III was born in Mississippi but moved here in his childhood when his alcoholic, abusive father worked at the International Shoe Company, once one of our major corporations. His chaotic life took him to many parts of the U.S. and Europe. His family remained here and there is an annual performing arts and academic festival devoted to him. Late in life, he nominally converted to Catholicism at the behest of his brother, Dakin. Although he died in New York City, probably of a drug overdose. he is buried here in Calvary Cemetery, a vast, elaborate Catholic resting ground. 

We will finish with the fourth corner of the intersection tomorrow with my favorite St. Louis writer. Think adding machines.                  

MORE FROM THE FRINGE - CONFESSIONS OF A NIGHTINGALE

Confessions Of A Nightingale is a one person show in which Tennessee Williams chats with the audience about his life, his work in the theater, his relationships and his vices. It is a fascinating look at a troubled genius reminiscing about his career. 

The show almost had to be canceled. The original actor was diagnosed with Covid. Dominic De Cicco stepped in on a  couple of days notice and did a fabulous job. He had just the right amount of Southern drawl and sneer on his lip. Although he kept the script with him he hardly seemed to glance at it.

Although Williams was born in Mississippi he grew up here and eventually attended the University of Missouri. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis.                

The End Of The Streetcar Line

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Tennessee Williams left St. Louis during his college years. He died in a hotel room in New York. Now he lies here again, in the wandering lanes of Calvary Cemetery. His colorful younger brother, Dakin Williams, stayed in the area, practicing law in the Illinois suburbs. Perhaps that's what brought him back here in the end. Some St. Louisan cares enough about him to bring flowers to his grave.

WHAT SHOWED UP IN OUR GARAGE THIS WEEKEND: a hybrid car. About time.

TOMORROW: the Western Lands.

There's a new Arch photo
today on Gateway.

Tennessee In Missouri

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There are a number of prominent figures in the arts who are from St. Louis or had a significant connection to it. Tennessee Williams was born in Mississippi but his family moved here when he was seven. He went to University City High School, the University of Missouri and Washington University in St Louis. Then it was outta here. This intriguing bust-and-more is on the corner of Euclid and McPherson in the Central West End.

A PS: some readers have asked for information about the artwork itself. You can find it here.

WHAT NEW PLACE I WENT TO SHOOT AT YESTERDAY: there are a couple of big, old, ornate cemeteries in a part of town I never have reason to go, Finally got up there. They have some well known residents.

TOMORROW: underground Tennessee and a new Arch photo on Gateway.