Stressing ‘Streetcar’ Racial Issues Overlooks the Artistic

In his review (“‘Streetcar’ Stalls,” Calendar March 14), Mark Chalon Smith seemed to regard the characterizations in (the Eastern Boys’ production of) “A Streetcar Named Desire” solely in terms of racial issues, and he overlooked the artistic value of the play itself.

It is very possible for a white female to be attracted to a black male and at the same time to feel resentment or prejudice toward other blacks. A survey probably would show that most interracial relationships are based on character, not color.

Let’s take a look at Blanche, Stanley and Mitch--leaving out the racial aspects:

Blanche doesn’t find Stanley’s disposition appealing. His honesty, bluntness and brutality all are things she fears. Blanche is attracted to Mitch because he’s naive, innocent. He gives her a sense of belonging, and is fascinated by her femininity (he is easily captivated by illusion).

When Mitch confronts Blanche with her past, the truth (her biggest fear) causes her to emotionally self-destruct. The turning point in her breakdown comes when she and Stanley have their sexual encounter. Forced to face the truth, Blanche realizes that she has been sexually attracted to him from the beginning. The fantasy is now reality. But there are questions and answers she must consider: How will Stella react when she finds out that Blanche slept with Stanley? Would she commit suicide, leaving Blanche with yet another burden to bear? What if she tells Stella that he raped her?

Blanche chooses the latter, but Stella, aware of Blanche’s habit of fabrication, doesn’t believe her story, and Blanche is left feeling abandoned and lost. Having lost the dearest and last member of her family, Blanche goes into a schizophrenic state, unable to cope with reality.

With these points in mind, why would there be a need to dwell on the idea of race, color or creed, as long as the characterizations are in place?

R.A. BLANKENSHIP JR., Orange

Blankenship is president and founder of Eastern Boys Productions.