NEW ORLEANS—The Tennessee Williams/ New Orleans Literary Festival returns to the historic French Quarter for its 31st annual celebration of contemporary literature, culture, theater and the works of Tennessee Williams. From March 22 – 26, attendees will enjoy celebrated award-winning speakers alongside fresh new voices on the literary scene.
The five-day event offers a range of diverse speakers and performers, including Dorothy Allison, Bryan Batt, Roy Blount Jr., Patricia Bosworth, Rick Bragg, Jericho Brown, Robert Olen Butler, Dick Cavett, Michael Cerveris, Lisa D’Amour, Amy Dickinson, Gabrielle Lucille Fuentes, Winston Groom, Wally Lamb, Nicholas Mainieri, John Patrick Shanley , Jill St. John, Robert Wagner, and many more.
“In a city where indulgence is nothing to feel guilty about and with carnival season ending soon, we are excited to give locals and visitors another chance to celebrate the creative spirit of New Orleans,” Paul Willis, Executive Director, said. “The 31st annual Tennessee Williams/ New Orleans Literary Festival returns to the French Quarter with an array of events connecting literary lovers and stars featuring iconic and emerging voices, a Victorian Séance, a Night in Storyville, a riotous shouting contest, and more.”
The Tennessee Williams/ New Orleans Literary Festival celebrates the genius of Tennessee Williams, who once called New Orleans his “spiritual home,” and the contemporary artists who are as honest and unflinching in their examination of the human condition as our patron playwright. Founded in 1986 by a group of cultural enthusiasts, the Festival has grown from a small gathering of 500 to a five-day literary and multi-cultural event, which sees more than 11,000 seats filled each year. In late March, the Festival toasts Williams’ birthday with theater, literary panels, food and music events featuring luminaries and the brightest new talents in American arts.
The 2017 program includes master classes; scholarly and entertaining discussions among distinguished panelists; celebrity interviews; theater, food and music events; a scholars conference; breakfast book club; French Quarter literary and LGBT walking tours; a book fair; and special evening events and social gatherings.
Group rates, available on request, are 20 percent off for groups of 20 or more.
Click here for more information and a full listing of events
