Inside the Tennessee Williams St. Louis Festival: An Exclusive Interview with Carrie Houk and Tom Mitchell

Saint Louis In Tune

In this episode of St. Louis In Tune, we have a conversation about the Tennessee Williams Festival-St. Louis with guests Carrie Houk, the festival's Executive Artistic Director, and Tom Mitchell, Scholar in Residence and Associate Professor Emeritus from the University of Illinois.

The festival, founded in 2015 and recognized with 13 awards from the St. Louis Theater Circle, offers a rich array of events. Highlights include a discussion about Williams's works, his influence, and the upcoming festival events, including performances of 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' and 'Lie Upon the Wicked Stage.' The episode also touches on how Williams's life and experiences shaped his writing, and the significance of maintaining live theater.

[00:00] Introduction to the Tennessee Williams Festival

[00:35] Meet the Hosts and Guests

[01:13] Carrie and Tom's Journey with Tennessee Williams

[03:22] Tom's Early Interest in Tennessee Williams

[08:17] Exploring the Festival's Productions and Events

• CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF - Directed by Michael Wilson. August 8-18, 2024; Grandel Theatre; 7:00 pm Thursday-Saturday, 3:00 pm Sunday.
• LIE UPON THE WICKED STAGE-ONE ACTS BY TW - Directed by Brian Hohlfield. August 10-18, 2024; Curtain Call Lounge, Grand Center, 1:00pm and 3:00pm Saturday and Sunday

[10:12] The Scholars Panels and Walking Tour

• SCHOLARS PANELS - Presented by resident scholar Tom Mitchell August 10, 2024; Beginning at 9:00am
• Walking Tour of the Grand Avenue Theatre District Sunday, August 11 at 10:00am; Meeting place: Front of Grandel Theatre
• Tennessee Williams Festival OPEN MIC Sunday, August 11 at 7:00pm; Curtain Call Lounge, Grand Center

[13:59] Parking and Venue Details

[17:49] Carrie's Reflections on the Festival's Success

[23:37] Tom's Background and Connection to Tennessee Williams

[26:22] Exploring Tennessee Williams' Language

[26:59] Revisions and Rewrites: Williams' Process

[29:34] Impact of Performers on Williams' Work

[30:47] Upcoming Events and Festival Highlights

[33:50] Fun Facts and Observances

[40:58] Closing Thoughts and Farewell

• TWStL Facebook Page
• Tennessee Williams Biography from TWStL
• Tennessee Williams Festival

This is Season 7! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

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