A Streetcar Named Desire

In my role as Harold (Mitch) Mitchell in Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire, I had the opportunity to explore the complexities of the character through physical and emotional means. Initially offered to me by the owner and director of Culture Collective Studio, Lony Berry, I was initially interested in playing a more macho role like Marlon Brando's. However, I was pleasantly surprised to be offered the role of Mitch, which proved to be one of my most transformative and challenging performances to date.

Mitch is a physically large man, but possesses a soft and feminine interior. He works alongside Stanley and shares similar desires for women, but exhibits a more empathetic approach towards them and also takes care of his sick mother. In the past, he has suffered from heartbreak and carries a silver cigarette case inscribed with the phrase "And if God chooses, I shall love thee better-after-death." The case was a gift from a dying woman he loved.

Mitch is a complex character, exhibiting traits of loneliness, shyness, awkwardness, and compassion. He is reserved in his desires and able to control them, but is ultimately provoked and insulted by the end of the play, leading to an attempt to force himself upon Blanche.

To prepare for this role, I focused on developing my physicality and movement, exploring the contrast between femininity and boyishness in a character trapped within a tall, large, and heavy body. However, the greatest challenge lay in preparing for the emotional journey and uncovering the feelings hidden within this large man's body.

In order to create a unique and raw performance, I practiced various meditation techniques before, during, and after each show. I aimed to be vulnerable on stage, without any safety mechanisms, and be open to any reactions provoked by the other characters. The role proved to be a challenging but ultimately liberating experience, leading to a trance-like state after each performance in which I felt united with myself, the character of Mitch, the audience, and the universe. This experience has further motivated me to pursue my research and journey towards psychophysical performance.

I had the opportunity to perform in a modernized production of Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire, directed by Loni Berry. The iconic characters of Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski were brought to life by Claudia Liu and Clément Phanavanh as they faced a psychological collision. Alongside these characters, the adaptation also featured Stella Kowalski (played by Sarinya Olsson), Harold Mitchell (played by myself), and the Singer/Narrator (played by Duncan Allan). Set in present-day New Orleans.

Set Design:
Monsuntorn Surach

Lighting Design:
Thachaporn Jirasakkee

Technical Design:
Jirach Eaimsa-ard

Properties & Costumes:
Panida Aimpraserksuk

Adaptation and Direction:
Loni Berry

https://culture-collective.com/a-streetcar-named-desire/