The Glass Menagerie is referred to as a “memory play” and was written and published by Tennessee Williams in 1944. This play centers around a family, Tom the son, Amanda the mom, Laura the daughter, and a “suitor” named Jim. There are two Toms present, the older narrator and the younger one we see acting out the scenes.
Overall, this was probably my least favorite play that we have seen. I feel that the director made odd choices and banked heavily on the fact that Amy Adams was in the show. While it is an American show in parts it did not feel as such. The lighting was not done well (subjectively), and the only thing that I thought was continuously lit well was the Glass Menagerie itself. The set was one that I personally would not design for this show, but it was not all bad. I felt like there were some missed opportunities where the surrounding pieces could have been brought onto the stage on stage. I also feel like there could’ve been some chairs or better seating options.
Since the show was performed in London, unless people have read the play, they might not have known where the characters were or where the mom was referencing. The only real context I was able to use was the accent that the mom and Laura had and even then, I could really only get vaguely South if anything. Typically plays set in the South can have a feeling or tone of being trapped and this does apply to the character Tom. Williams’s relationship with his own sister Rose has an effect on the play and is definitely shown. While Tennessee was attending the University of Iowa, his sister underwent a lobotomy. Williams felt a tremendous amount of guilt that we can all see in his work. While the details are different, The Glass Menagerie mirrors Williams’s relationship with his family.
Theatre in London U of A 