ORPHEUS DESCENDING

Written originally by Tennessee Williams as Battle of Angles in the 1940s, Orpheus Descending debuted after numerous revisions in March 1957 at the Martin Black Theatre. Produced by Robert Whitehead and The Producers Theatre, Orpheus Descending earned two 1958 Tony Award nominations. Boris Aronson was nominated for Best Scenic Design and Lucinda Ballard was nominated for Best Costume Design. Cliff Robertson in his portrayal of the Val Xavier earned a nomination for the 1957 Theatre World Award. Despite the award nominations, criticism of the grim tale cut the production run short. Totaling 68 performances the original drama closed on May 18, 1957. 

Production Credits:

Produced by Robert Whitehead and The Producers Theatre

Written by Tennessee Williams

Directed by Harold Clurman

Scenic Design by Boris Aronson

Costume Design by Lucinda Ballard

Lighting Design by Abe Feder

Digital images:

Ground Plan Drawing, Martin Black Theatre

Lighting Layout, Martin Black Theatre

For reference assistance