On the 30th of October, as part of the arts programme at Merchiston, we set off to see the play, “A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams. This production is relevant to us, as it is incorporated into the curriculum of the Sixth Form. 

This play explores the frailty of human nature by drawing the spotlight to the brutal realities of life. Williams demonstrates these realities through equipping his characters with haunting dialogues and struggles with mental health; Williams further explores the theme of mental health by comparing it to other aspects such as societal change and the complexities of relationships.

With this, the story entails the mental decay of the faded southern belle, Blanche Dubois whose illusions of romance, catalysed by vanity, starkly contrast with the harshness of the modern world, which is embodied by Stanley Kowalski, her brother-in-law. Blanche's need for validation and her refusal to confront her own truths is what fuelled her descent into madness.

In whole, it was an enjoyable and powerful experience; the mood on the bus home was high, and it definitely proved beneficial for the Sixth Form.

By Josh G, Upper Sixth

Photo credit: Fraser Band