Abstract The present study investigates different techniques used to present Blanche Dubois in the original play of A Streetcar Named Desire (1947) and the theatre performance National Theatre Live: A Streetcar Named Desire (2014). First, the character herself is discussed and how her past affected her to become a trauma victim. Moreover, an excerpt of the play was chosen to be examined linguistically and the equivalence of it in the performance non-linguistically. Blanche’s mental problems were evident when analyzed linguistically. In addition, non-linguistic analysis showed how elements of costume, color, and setting can be used to add layers of meaning to the story, and add depth to the character Blanche.

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