Tennessee Williams Literary Festival
March 20-24, 2013
The streetcar he made famous stopped running nearly two-thirds of a century ago but the festival named in his honor has been running continuously for more than a quarter of a century. The annual Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival, named after the world-famous playwright who made New Orleans his home during one of the most creative periods in his life, is being held this year from March 20-24.
The 2013 Festival features literary panel discussions, theatrical performances and master classes for individuals desiring a more intensive "one-on-one" opportunity with a notable expert in writing or the arts. There will also be a variety of other events, including a Scholars' Conference, "Drummer and Smoke" music program, Literary Late Night Series and literary walking tours and food events.
Festival organizers are in the programming process at present, but interested persons can keep posted the festival's website at www.tennesseewilliams.net.
Forty guest speakers encompassing nearly all categories of writing are lined up to participate in the 2013 festival.
There are also contests offering cash prizes up to $1,500. Finding fresh literary talent is at the heart of the festival's mission. Their one-act play, fiction and poetry contests have nurtured writers at the start of their careers and helped them move on to further publications, book deals, and in one case, a Pulitzer Prize. All three contests are presently taking entries.
A number of other special events are typically scheduled, as well, as are various "Food Events" featuring some of the city's top chefs.
Venues in the city's historic French Quarter where festival events will take place include the Hotel Monteleone, the Williams Research Center, the Palm Court Jazz Café, The Historic New Orleans Collection and Muriel's restaurant.
And, of course, no Tennessee Williams Festival would be complete without the "Stella!" shouting contest, also 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. This is one fun event you won't want to miss. And, in the interests of gender equality, women contestants are allowed to shout "Stanley!"
Accommodations
A limited number of rooms are reserved at the Hotel Monteleone in a block for festival attendees. The discounted room rate is $185 a night from March 20 through March 24, 2013.
Call 866-338-4684 for reservations or book online. You won't be charged until after your stay is up, and should you need to cancel before the start of your reservation, you'll have 72 hours to do so.
Audio Downloads
Audio downloads are available for festival-goers. You'll need to have javascript enabled and the latest flash player installed on your browser. Please wait a moment for the MP3 store to load.
If you need help with downloads call 504-581-1144 or go to www.tennesseewilliams.net/shop/audio.
To register for the festival or for more information call 504-581-1144 or 1-800-990-FEST. You can also email info@tennesseewilliams.net or log on to www.tennesseewilliams.net.
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