Patsy Ferran Recaptures New York Dream in Streetcar Amidst Covid Setback

Patsy Ferran’s Triumphant Return to New York Stage in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’

After a heartbreaking setback five years ago, london stage sensation Patsy Ferran is back on the New York stage, starring as Blanche DuBois in Tennessee Williams’s iconic play, A Streetcar Named Desire at the Brooklyn academy of Music (BAM). This marks a meaningful moment for Ferran, whose broadway debut in Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? was abruptly cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

A Second Chance in the Big Apple

Ferran’s return is not just a personal triumph but also an opportunity to explore the depths of Blanche’s character in collaboration with director Rebecca Frecknall, following their accomplished 2018 production of Summer and Smoke. Alongside Paul Mescal as Stanley and Anjana Vasan as Stella, ferran aims to bring a fresh and dynamic interpretation to this timeless classic.

Patsy Ferran as Blanche in the almeida Theatre production of A Streetcar Named Desire at Brooklyn Academy of Music (© Julieta Cervantes)

Evolving with Blanche: A Never-Ending Pool of Discovery

Ferran reflects on her journey with the play, noting its continuous evolution: “Amazingly, this play is a never-ending pool of discovery. You would think the fourth time around we would know what the play was, but we keep finding new things after having time away.” This sentiment underscores the richness and complexity of williams’s work, offering actors endless opportunities for interpretation and growth.

Deeper understanding, Braver Choices

Having performed the role multiple times, Ferran feels a profound connection to Blanche, stating, “I learned that the play actually still lives in you in some kind of way. When you revisit it,it’s more in the marrow of your bones rather than something you learned two months before and it’s living on the surface.” This deep integration allows her to be “more playful and braver” in her portrayal, bringing new nuances to the character.

The New York Audience: A Different Energy

Ferran highlights the distinct energy of the New York audience, observing, “the New York audience feeds the play in a way that British audiences didn’t. it’s not that it’s better in New York, but it’s different, and we’re sort of relearning the play again. Most of the time, we’re telling the story to people who know it very well…it’s just been a relief and a joy to have an American audience somewhat vocally accept us. It’s been really magical so far.” This interaction between performer and audience shapes the performance and adds a unique layer to each production.

Immersion in Williams’ World: A Pilgrimage to New Orleans

To deepen her understanding of Tennessee Williams’s world, Ferran embarked on a trip to New Orleans with her father before rehearsals for Summer and Smoke. This journey included visiting Clarksdale, mississippi, Williams’s birthplace, and a Tennessee Williams walking tour in New Orleans. “And I remember eating beignets, and then we did a Tennessee Williams walking tour. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it was actually incredibly informative.”

The Impact of Place on Performance

Reflecting on the impact of her New Orleans experience, Ferran notes, “When Mitch says ‘That don’t make no difference in the Quarter,’ when he suggests going for a cigarette with Blanche, I do have a stronger image of it [in my head], becuase I’ve been there.” This firsthand experience adds depth and authenticity to her performance, grounding her portrayal of Blanche in the reality of the play’s setting.

Finding Closure: A Full-Circle Moment

The abrupt closure of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? in 2020 left Ferran with a sense of unfinished business in new York. “Absolutely,” she affirms, when asked if this new experience feels like closure. “I felt I was very much in my honeymoon period of New York when it shut down. So I’m happy to be here. I think I’ve been waiting for this moment for five years.”

Patsy Ferran’s return to the New York stage embodies resilience and artistic dedication. Her performance in A Streetcar Named Desire promises to be a profound exploration of Blanche DuBois, enriched by her personal journey and the unique energy of the New York audience. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this extraordinary talent live. Get your tickets now for A Streetcar Named Desire at the Brooklyn Academy of Music!

How has Patsy Ferran’s understanding of Blanche DuBois evolved over time?

Patsy Ferran on Rediscovering Blanche: an Exclusive Interview

After her acclaimed performance in “A Streetcar named Desire” at BAM,we sat down with renowned stage actress Patsy Ferran to discuss her return to the New York stage,her evolving understanding of Blanche DuBois,and the unique energy of American audiences. Hear’s what she had to say:

A Triumphant Return

Eleanor Vance, Archyde News: Patsy, welcome back to New York! Your previous Broadway debut was unfortunately cut short. Does starring in “A Streetcar Named Desire” feel like a full-circle moment?

Patsy Ferran: Absolutely.It definitely feels like closure. I felt very much in my honeymoon period with New York when everything shut down. I’m so happy to be back, and I feel like I’ve been waiting for this moment for five years.

Evolving with Blanche

Eleanor Vance: You’ve played Blanche before. How has your understanding of the character evolved over time?

Patsy Ferran: Amazingly,this play is a never-ending pool of finding. You would think the fourth time around we would know what the play was, but we keep finding new things after having time away. I’ve learned that the play actually still lives in you in some kind of way. When you revisit it, it’s more in the marrow of your bones rather than something you learned two months before, living on the surface.

Braver Choices On Stage

Eleanor Vance: That’s fascinating. Does that deeper understanding give you more freedom to explore the character?

Patsy ferran: It does. It allows me to be more playful and braver in my portrayal, bringing new nuances to Blanche. It’s a splendid feeling to be so connected to a character and a text.

The Energy of the New York Audience

Eleanor Vance: You’ve mentioned a difference in the energy of the new york audience compared to British audiences. Can you elaborate on that?

Patsy Ferran: The New York audience feeds the play in a way that British audiences didn’t. It’s not that it’s better in New York, but it’s different, and we’re sort of relearning the play again. Most of the time, we’re telling the story to people who know it very well. It’s just been a relief and a joy to have an American audience somewhat vocally accept us. It’s been really magical so far.”

A Pilgrimage to New Orleans

Eleanor Vance: I understand you took a trip to New Orleans to immerse yourself in Tennessee Williams’s world. How did that experience inform your performance?

Patsy Ferran: It was incredibly informative. When Mitch says ‘That don’t make no difference in the Quarter,’ when he suggests going for a cigarette with Blanche,I do have a stronger image of it in my head,because I’ve been there.” It added a real depth to my understanding of the play’s setting.

A Lasting Impact

Eleanor Vance: what’s the one thing you hope audiences take away from your performance in “A Streetcar named Desire”?

Patsy Ferran: I hope they connect with the humanity of Blanche, despite her flaws. And I hope they leave the theater thinking about the complexities of human relationships and the impact of societal pressures on individuals. And perhaps also ask themselves the question: How does this play speak to issues relevant to us today? We’d love to hear your thoughts, share them in the comments below!