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"Kingdom of Earth" by Tennesee Williams. Pictured: Sean Richmond. (Photo by James Kelley)

New Tennessee Williams Theatre Company Presents ‘Kingdom of Earth’

A brand new production company dedicated to the Southern playwright kicks off with a rarely staged work.

NEW ORLEANS: Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans (TWTC) is a new production company dedicated to strengthening the Big Easy’s relationship with the legendary writer, who spent many significant years of his adult life in the city.

TWTC’s debut production is Williams’s Kingdom of Earth (July 31—Aug. 16), about a man in his Mississippi Delta farmhouse on the eve of a flood who is visited by his half-brother and his wife. The play debuted on Broadway in 1968 with the title The Seven Descents of Myrtle.

David Williams as Lot in "Kingdom of Earth."
David Williams as Lot in “Kingdom of Earth.” (Photo by James Kelley)

“This play is visceral and terrifying,” said co-artistic director Nick Shackleford in a statement. “We want to show the audience a captivating view of Tennessee Williams, which honors the text and the vivid, expressionistic elements. This is Tennessee Williams in a way you may have never seen, but that we’re sure you’ll love.”

The production stars local favorites Kate Kuen, Sean Richmond, and David Williams, and is directed by Augustin J. Correro. Kingdom of Earth is presented at the Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans.

Kate Kuen and Sean Richmond in "Kingdom of Earth."
Kate Kuen and Sean Richmond in “Kingdom of Earth.” (Photo by James Kelley)

“The play strikes at the heart of human nature: both the dark and snarly, and the hysterically funny,” said Correro in a statement. “Tennessee Williams knew how to write fully fleshed-out characters, and we can’t wait to present them to the New Orleans audience!”

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