My view? Well, Stella is in her early to mid 20's, a passionate being, who is intensely dedicated to the people in her life. Her accent is layered with the NOLA inflection. She is the focus of both Stanley and Blanche's attentions. A 'star' that both characters are drawn to... Stella, like Blanche, is from Mississippi. She left in her late teens, presumably to seek a little freedom from her sister and the confines of the aging ruin of a relic, Belle Reve. She was likely attracted to the decadence of New Orleans, the freedom and primal 'heartbeat' that exists all through the city. She is fundamentally, a primal character... seeking her survival, seeking a life away from the cobwebbed gentility of her childhood world.
Extremely dedicated to her sister, extremely drawn to her husband, Stella becomes the 'prize' in the battle between Stanley and Stella. Blanche expects the sisterly love and dedication of Stella... Stanley demands (and gets) it.
The relationship between Stanley and Stella is intensely base and sexual. When the two are together, passion will fill the room. The chemistry will be electric and that little heartbeat, I spoke about above will completely overtake the senses. They are drawn to each other, as a cat in heat is drawn to the local tomcat. However, I do believe there is love between them, but there is also control. Though, he comes from a family of tradition, he considers himself a 'new man', looking toward the changes the world is making after the end of World War II.
Stella so wants to be a good wife and please her husband, but she is also a 'new woman'. She fights the gentility of her upbringing, with her desperate need for independence. But, still she 'belongs' to Stanley, knows it, and accepts it. The more she accepts it, the more dependent she is on him for her base survival.
Her love and dedication to Blanche is fueled by her memories of childhood... probably notable and cherished memories, as the two girls seemed to be a 'team' in a world dominated by expectations, society, and even the men of their family. In my view, Blanche looked after Stella, cared for her, and loved her. Probably the only honest love either have ever experienced in their lives.
I do believe Stella is dealing with her own demons from her past (and the current issues of abuse from Stanley) and as Blanche's mind begins to deteriorate, she finds yet another to contend with. As we leave the little house on Elysian Fields, we are led to believe that Stella will go on living, with little or no fallout from the tragic scene that just occurred. But, really now... She just sent her sister off to be 'sectioned' for the rest of her life, with little hope of recovery... just the knowledge of 'promising' new techniques to help the insane... hmmm... How blind is Stella really?
Now for a few audition notes for Stella--
The actress cast should be able to sing, as I would like to have the character sing at different points .
She should be able to handle a lot of movement -- let's just say she will spend a great deal of time in Stanley's arms.
She should be quietly intense and powerful... facially strong in in emotion and packed (herself) with 'layer upon layer' of personality, life experience, and performance opinion...
I have been asked several times what my perfect Stella would look like (and Blanche and Stanley and Mitch)... I hate to pre determine a cast physically in my mind, so that little tidbit of insight shall remain a mystery... for now.
Now, for Tuesday / Wednesday... Have not had a lot of questions regarding Mitch (only 3 or 4), but will be discussing him a bit in the next post. And, then on to some general comments about auditions and my views on the show in general, so stay tuned!
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