University of the South

The University of the South, a liberal arts college in Sewanee, Tennessee, holds the copyright to Tennessee Williams's A Streetcar Named Desire, a position that makes it the legal and administrative guardian of one of the most performed and studied American plays of the twentieth century. The university's ownership, established by the playwright himself, has given it a unique and enduring role in the play's commercial and cultural life, controlling its licensing, publication, and adaptation for over seven decades.

Copyright and Licensing Authority

The copyright for A Streetcar Named Desire is held by the University of the South, as stated in the play's copyright notice: "Copyright © 1947 by The University of the South." This ownership extends to all rights, including professional, amateur, motion picture, recitation, lecturing, public reading, radio and television broadcasting, and all forms of mechanical or electronic reproduction. The university, through its designated agent, Casarotto Ramsay & Associates Limited, handles all inquiries concerning professional and stock performances. For amateur rights, the university has authorized The Dramatists Play Service to grant permissions, and no amateur performance may be given without its written consent. This structure means that every production of the play, from a high school drama club to a Broadway revival, must secure a license from an entity authorized by the university.

Historical and Legal Context

The university's role as copyright holder is a direct result of Williams's decision to assign the rights to his alma mater. The playwright, who was born in Columbus, Mississippi, and later attended the University of Missouri and the University of Iowa, had a long association with the University of the South, which awarded him a Doctor of Humanities degree in 1969. The copyright notice, which appears in every published edition of the play, is a standard legal declaration that establishes the university's ownership and its right to enforce the copyright. This legal framework has been tested and maintained over the decades, ensuring that the university remains the sole authority for all uses of the play's text, characters, and title.

Commercial and Cultural Impact

The university's stewardship of the copyright has had a profound impact on the play's commercial and cultural trajectory. By controlling the licensing of performances, the university has been able to generate substantial royalty income, which has supported its educational mission. At the same time, its role as a gatekeeper has shaped how the play is produced and interpreted. The university's licensing policies have influenced everything from the casting of major revivals to the availability of the play for academic and community theater. The play's enduring popularity, which has made it a staple of the American theater repertoire, has been sustained in part by the university's consistent and professional management of its rights. The university's copyright also extends to the play's adaptations, including the 1951 film version starring Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando, and subsequent television and stage productions.

Significance and Legacy

The University of the South's ownership of A Streetcar Named Desire is a singular example of an educational institution holding the copyright to a major work of American literature. This arrangement has given the university a unique place in the history of American theater, linking its name to a play that has been performed continuously since its premiere and that continues to be a subject of critical analysis and popular fascination. The university's role as copyright holder ensures that Williams's work is protected and that his legacy is managed according to his wishes. The play's copyright notice, which appears in every edition, serves as a constant reminder of this institutional connection, making the University of the South an integral, if often overlooked, part of the story of A Streetcar Named Desire.