EDITOR'S NOTE: Our critics whine that we don't publish enough "good news". Okay. Here's some.
The writings of Key West's most famous playwright will come alive in a series of four Saturday morning, college-level classes sponsored by the Key West Art & Historical Society and taught by former Brooklyn College professor Howard Wolman PhD.
The course, which begins Jan. 26 (2002) and is scheduled for Feb. 2 and 9 and Feb. 23, will cover the short stories of Tennessee Williams and two of his plays: "Suddenly Last Summer" and "A Streetcar Named Desire."
The classes are coordinated with the Waterfront Playhouse Theater's production of "A Streetcar Named Desire" in February, and students are encouraged to attend the Feb. 20 performance, which will be followed by a special discussion of the play with the cast and director.
The Feb. 23 class will be followed by a catered luncheon hosted by Barbara and Evan Corns at their home, which had been the residence of Tennessee Williams during his many years here. The luncheon will be followed by a tour of the house, which has not been open to the public.
"Tennessee Williams— arguably the nation's greatest playwright— spent a major portion of his adult life living and writing in Key West. His symbolism, dramatic structure and elegant dialogue will be studied for years," said Wolman. "This course is a chance to see how his character development and dialogue in his short stories relates to his writings for the stage."
Dr. Wolman, a Key West resident, was professor of humanities at Brooklyn College for 32 years. Early in 2001 he conducted a highly successful seminar series covering four plays by Williams and another seminar last month.
The books required for the course are a copy of the New Directions edition of "Tennessee Williams' Collected Short Stories" and copies of "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Suddenly Last Summer." All will be available at Blue Heron Books, 826 Duval.
Classes are non-credit, college-level for adults and run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House, Front and Greene Streets. The price for all four sessions is $60 for Society members and $85 for non-members. Class size is limited to 30, so advance registration is required. The price includes the luncheon and tour but does not include theater tickets or books.
To register, please contact Joanne Tinker at 295-6616. Space is available on a first come basis. Major credit cards, cash and checks are accepted for registration.
For information on the content or other questions about the course, please call Dr. Wolman at 294-0111.