Critic John Lahr presents "Tennessee Williams and the Out-Crying Heart" [Preview]

The Harry Ransom Center's current exhibition, "Becoming Tennessee Williams," focuses on the first half of the acclaimed playwright's career, and, it's hard not to note, his near-obsessive attitude towards revision. The Ransom Center's collection, much of which comes from Williams' own archives, includes multiple drafts of plays alongside detailed notes on changes made and explanations for edits. These materials give Williams enthusiasts a great deal of information about the writer's process and connection to his work, but nobody knows quite how intricate these relationships are as John Lahr, senior drama critic for The New Yorker and Williams' biographer.

Tonight Lahr is giving a lecture, in conjunction with the Ransom Center exhibition, on the origin and evolution of Tennessee Williams' unique voice, a topic closely tied to the collection's mission of exploring the concept of the artistic process. Expect to learn details of Williams' creative life, and maybe even some gossip on the personal moments that inspired his dramatic, often heartbreaking, work.

Not sure if you can make it? Take a look at Lahr's recent Chronicle interview for insight on the challenge of curating biographical materials.