Columbus Prepares for Tennessee Williams Tribute Festival This Week

Columbus Gears Up for a Celebration of Tennessee Williams

This week, Columbus is buzzing with excitement as the Tennessee Williams Tribute makes its much-anticipated return, reminding us all of the rich legacy left by the beloved American playwright. From Thursday to Sunday, locals and visitors alike can enjoy a festival packed with engaging events that honor Tennessee Williams, who was born right here in Columbus.

A Week Full of Fun and Learning

Starting this Thursday, the Tennessee Williams Tribute and the Columbus Arts Council have organized a series of seven events that promise to bring Williams’ work back to life. With performances, poetry slams, and even a cocktail hour, there’s certainly something to catch everyone’s interest, even those who may not be die-hard fans of Williams.

Theatre Highlights

A highlight of the week is sure to be the performances of A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur, one of Tennessee Williams’ lesser-known plays. There will be four performances at the Omnova Theater located on the second floor of the Rosenzweig Arts Center. The first three shows are set for 7:30 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday, with the final matinee airing at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Directed by Melanie Tubbs, the play features a talented all-female cast, portraying the lives and romantic escapades of four female roommates: Dorothea, Bodey, Helena, and Miss Gluck. The cast includes performers Sara Wade, Julia Mortyakova, Ksenia Davis, and Lori LeVar Pierce. Tubbs describes this performance as “clever and funny” and a rare opportunity to see one of Williams’ last works performed.

More Events to Enjoy

In addition to the theatrical performances, the tribute will also showcase the top three plays from Mississippi University for Women’s fourth annual 10:TENN national playwriting 10-minute competition. Reading sessions for these plays will take place at 3 p.m. on Friday at the Second Stage Theatre on the MUW campus. That same day, the Omnova Theater will host a poetry slam at noon, followed by a Moon Lake cocktail hour at 6 p.m. prior to the evening performance.

Invited Scholar to Shed Light on Williams

This year also marks a special occasion as the tribute welcomes its first scholar since 2020. Elyzabeth Wilder, a playwriting instructor at Sewanee: The University of the South, will be participating in multiple events throughout the week. Having won last year’s 10:TENN contest, Wilder expressed her excitement, sharing her perspective as a Southern writer heavily influenced by Williams’ work.

A Legacy Remembered

The tribute was initiated in 2001 to celebrate Williams’ work and spotlight his birthplace in Columbus. Over the years, the tribute has formed a partnership with the Columbus Arts Council to ensure this celebration of creativity continues. Salem Gibson, a board member of the arts council, emphasized the importance of recognizing Tennessee Williams’ contributions, remarking on the efforts made to celebrate him and his time.

Tickets for A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur are available at the Columbus Arts Council for $20 each, with discounted rates for teachers and students. The readings and poetry slams are free and open to the public, ensuring that everyone has a chance to be involved in this delightful tribute.