Tennessee Williams’ short plays to shine at Open Space

“Dragon Country” is presented by Civic Rep, a new theater company.

By Elizabeth Shepherd • October 31, 2018 1:30 am
Maria Glanz and David Mielke rehearse Williams’ one-act play, ”I Can’t Imagine Tomorrow,” directed by L. Zane Jones (Peter Serko Photo).
Maria Glanz and David Mielke rehearse Williams’ one-act play, ”I Can’t Imagine Tomorrow,” directed by L. Zane Jones (Peter Serko Photo).

“Dragon Country: Four Short Plays by Tennessee Williams” will run from Nov. 9 to Nov. 18 at Open Space for Arts & Community.

The show is being presented by Civic Rep, Vashon’s newest professional theater company, which is currently in residence at Open Space.

Williams, best known for masterpieces of American theater, including “The Glass Menagerie” and “A Streetcar Named Desire,” was also a prolific author of short plays, many of which were experimental in theme and style.

“In spite of his commercial success, Tennessee became an outsider — he struggled to be valued and respected as he and his work continued to evolve,” said L. Zane Jones, artistic director for Civic Rep. “As a way to honor his artistic courage and tenacity, we wanted to put together an evening of some of his most inventive and lesser-known pieces.”

Plays in “Dragon County” are “The Lady of Larkspur Lotion,” “I Can’t Imagine Tomorrow,” “Something Unspoken,” and “A Perfect Analysis Given by a Parrot.”

The ensemble responsible for bringing the production together includes many islanders who will be familiar to local theater-goers. Directors for the plays include Jones, Michael Barker, Charlotte Tiencken and Elizabeth Klob. Actors involved in the production are Jeanne Dougherty, Maria Glanz, Antonia Green, Robin Jones, Tami Brockway Joyce, Shawn Kellogg, David Mielke, Lynelle Sjobert and Anthoney Winkler.

For Civic Rep, it’s a chance to delve deeper into the works of Williams — this will be the company’s third production of his works.

“We value the artistic opportunity for depth and dimension that evolves when working with one writer,” Jones said, adding that the “beauty and complexity of Williams’ work” made the process especially challenging and satisfying.

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8 (a preview with $10 tickets) and 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 9, 10, 16 and 17; and 4 p.m. Sundays Nov. 11 and 18, at Open Space.

Tickets, $25 for general admission and $20 for students and seniors, can be purchased at civicrep.org and at the door.