Tennessee Williams Literary Festival
Wednesday March 21 - Sunday March 25.
Tennessee Williams Literary Festival celebrates the life and “STELLAr!” career of America’s most famous playwright who made New Orleans his home during one of the most creative periods in his life, TennFest gives other aspiring and established writers a chance to shine as well.
Each year, the festival assembles some of the top playwrights, authors, actors, literary agents and speakers to sit on literary panels and provide master classes with other published authors and theatrical performances of original works submitted to the festival. There are also contests offering cash prizes to the winners. A number of other special events are typically scheduled, as well, as are various “Food Events” featuring some of the city’s top chefs.
And, of course, no Tennessee Williams Festival would be complete without the “Stella!” shouting contest held in the French Quarter. Hopeful winners, usually attired in Stanley Kowalski-style sleeveless undershirts, compete to shout the most plaintive and convincing appeal to the judges on the balcony of the Pontalba Apartments on Jackson Square. Female contestants can shout “Stanley”! This is one fun event you won’t want to miss.
This year’s guest speakers and panel and special events participants include close to 90 authors, educators, actors and other literary luminaries. Among the “big names” participating in this year’s festival are veteran actresses Piper Laurie and Amanda Plummer, renowned “Blue Dog” artist George Rodrigue, celebrity chef John Besh, syndicated columnist “Ask Amy” Dickinson, best-selling authors John M. Barry and Laura Lippman, 2011 National Book Award in Fiction winner Jesmyn Ward, “American Routes” radio show host Nick Spitzer and many more.
Most of the Tennessee Williams Festival events take place in the French Quarter, where Williams lived and wrote and received inspiration for some of his greatest works, including A Streetcar Named Desire. This year’s venues include: Hotel Monteleone, The Williams Research Center, The Palm Court Jazz Cafe, The Historic New Orleans Collection, Muriel’s Jackson Square Restuarant, and Cafe Istanbul.
Please check their website for more information on the events and contests!
Price
Prices range from $5 - $500, depending on the ticket type.