Period of Adjustment: Difference between revisions

Both the stage and film versions are set on [[Christmas Eve]] and tell the gentle, light-hearted story of two couples, one newlywed and the other married for five years, both experiencing pains and difficulties in their relationships. The two male characters are veterans of the [[Korean War]]. The younger of the two experiences [[post traumatic stress]] ([[shell shock|shellshock]], [[Posttraumatic stress disorder|battle fatigue]], [[combat stress reaction]]), whileand the older man suffers from feelings of inadequacy towards his wife, the daughter of his boss. However, the observance of each other’s troubles brings both couplecouples to realize what they have and to reconcile their own relationships.

Williams wrote the first draft of the play in November 1958, "in a rush of activity partly induced by drugs."{{sfn|Spoto|1985|p=228}} It was workshopped for a week in December 1958 and officially premiered at the [[Helen Hayes Theatre]] on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] on November 10, 1960. It was presented directed by [[George Roy Hill]], the stage settings and lighting were by Jo Mielziner, the costumes were by Patricia Zipprodt, General Manager Joseph Harris, and the production stage manager was William Chambers. The play, which Williams subtitled "a serious comedy," was a departure from the playwright's usual dark dramas, and was written partly in response to a Hollywood columnist who had asked why his plays were always "plunging into the sewers."{{sfn|Rocamora|2006}} Williams responded to the criticism by writing ''Period of Adjustment'' and arguing, in a piece that ranwas published in ''[[The New York Times]]'',

The play received average reviews and closed March 4, 1961 after 132 performances. InThe Februaryoriginal 2006,cast thein playorder of appearance was:<ref>{{Cite revivedbook at|last=Williams the|first=Tennessee |title=Tennessee Williams: Four Plays |date=November 1976 |publisher=[[AlmeidaSignet TheatreBooks]]. |isbn=9780451514387 |location=New York City, New York |pages=9–10 |language=English}}</ref>

| refurl-access = harvregistration

| url = httphttps://www.guardiantheguardian.co.ukcom/stage/2006/feb/18/theatre.stage

| accessdateaccess-date = 2011-06-18