MY NORTH STAR: TENNESSEE WILLIAMS’ INFLUENCE ON OTHER WRITERS

11:30 AM – 12:45 PM—Literary Discussion

MY NORTH STAR: TENNESSEE WILLIAMS’ INFLUENCE ON OTHER WRITERS

This panel will be a conversation among three of the many writers who have been influenced by Williams’ life and work. When someone is influenced by a great writer, it doesn’t mean they write exactly like that person or imitate their style. What they most often get is inspiration, beauty, and insight, and great writers are sometimes a beacon of hope for other writers. Novelist Christopher Castellani will share how Williams’ life story inspired him to write the novel Leading Men; Jonathan Alexander will talk about the ways in which Williams’ writing has inspired his essays and memoirs, such as Dear Queer Self; and playwright Martin Sherman, author of the memoir On the Boardwalk, as well as Bent and dozens of other plays and screenplays, will speak about how Williams’ plays and life were guideposts along the way to finding his voice as a fellow playwright. Moderated by Thomas Keith, consulting editor for New Directions.

Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres Street, $10 or LitPass or VIP Pass.