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Rediscovering the Magic of Waiting for the Parade: A Journey Through the Lost Plays of Tennessee Williams

Jeffrey Cox

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Waiting For The Parade Plays In Print 1980 By Tennessee Williams Waiting For The Parade (Plays In Print 1980)

Waiting for the Parade (Plays in print 1980)

by John Murrell

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2414 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	114 pages

A Literary Treasure Unearthed

For decades, the lost plays of Tennessee Williams lingered in obscurity, tantalizing scholars and theater enthusiasts alike. These works, written during the playwright's formative years, were believed to be forever lost, a tragic void in the American theatrical landscape.

But in 1980, a remarkable discovery breathed new life into the Williams legacy. A collection of these long-missing plays was found, hidden away in the archives of the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. Among them was "Waiting for the Parade," a poignant and haunting drama that had been lost for nearly half a century.

The Genesis of a Masterpiece

Williams began writing "Waiting for the Parade" in 1941, at a time when his career was just beginning to flourish. Influenced by the social realism of the era, he crafted a play that explored the lives of ordinary Americans struggling against the forces of poverty, prejudice, and unfulfilled dreams.

The play follows the fortunes of Leo and Hazel McDermott, a working-class couple trapped in a dead-end existence in a small Southern town. Leo, a sensitive but aimless young man, yearns for a life beyond the suffocating confines of their home. Hazel, burdened by financial worries and the weight of her shattered dreams, clings to the hope that Leo will find the drive to change their circumstances.

Lost and Found

After its initial run in 1942, "Waiting for the Parade" all but vanished from sight. Williams's career took off with the success of plays like "The Glass Menagerie" and "A Streetcar Named Desire," and his early works were largely forgotten.

In the intervening years, scholars and theater historians searched for "Waiting for the Parade" in vain. It was rumored to have been destroyed, lost in a fire, or simply discarded. But all the while, the play lay dormant in the university archives, waiting to be rediscovered.

A Literary Resurgence

The publication of "Waiting for the Parade Plays in Print 1980" was a watershed moment for Williams's legacy. For the first time, scholars and the general public had access to these long-lost works, providing a fresh glimpse into the playwright's early artistic development.

"Waiting for the Parade" has since been hailed as a masterpiece, a powerful and moving drama that showcases Williams's unique ability to capture the complexities of human experience. It has been performed around the world, earning critical acclaim for its raw emotional intensity and timeless themes.

Exploring the Lost Plays

"Waiting for the Parade Plays in Print 1980" offers a comprehensive collection of Williams's lost works, giving readers a unique opportunity to explore the playwright's early artistic vision.

In addition to "Waiting for the Parade," the volume includes:

The Red Devil Battery Sign: A surreal and experimental one-act play that explores the inner workings of the human psyche.
Spring Storm: A lyrical and evocative play that captures the beauty and fragility of youth.
Kingdom of Earth: A sweeping historical drama that examines the clash between progress and tradition.
Summer and Smoke: A haunting and lyrical play that explores the complexities of love and loss.

The rediscovery of Tennessee Williams's lost plays has been a transformative event in American theater. "Waiting for the Parade Plays in Print 1980" provides a unique window into the playwright's formative years, offering invaluable insights into his artistic development and enduring legacy.

These plays are not merely historical curiosities. They are powerful and moving works of art that continue to resonate with audiences today. They remind us of the enduring power of human connection, the fragility of dreams, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Waiting for the Parade (Plays in print 1980)

by John Murrell

4.3 out of 5