A long-forgotten radio play by the legendary American playwright Tennessee Williams has been discovered in a US archive, with plans for its world premiere broadcast on the BBC next year.
A Remarkable Discovery in the Archives
The one-act play, titled The Eye That Saw Death, was written by Williams in 1953. It was found among the playwright's papers held at the University of Texas at Austin's Harry Ransom Center. Scholars had previously catalogued the manuscript but its significance as a complete, produced work for radio had been overlooked for decades.
The play is a 30-minute drama that delves into themes of mortality and perception. It was originally commissioned for a radio series in the United States called Grand Central Station. While it is believed the play was recorded, there is no evidence it was ever broadcast, making the upcoming BBC production its true premiere.
Securing the Rights and Preparing for Broadcast
The discovery was made by researcher and producer Michael L. Sandel, who was delving into the archive for another project. Recognising its importance, Sandel worked with the Williams estate and the BBC to secure the rights for a new production.
The play will be produced by BBC Radio 3 for its Drama on 3 slot. The broadcast is scheduled for spring 2026, aligning with the 50th anniversary of the BBC's previous major Williams season. The production will be recorded in London with a full cast, ensuring this lost piece receives the high-quality treatment befitting a work by one of the 20th century's greatest dramatists.
Significance for Williams Scholarship and Listeners
This find is a significant event for literary and theatrical history. Tennessee Williams, famed for stage masterpieces like A Streetcar Named Desire and The Glass Menagerie, also wrote for radio and film, but much of this work is less known. The Eye That Saw Death offers a new window into his creative process during a prolific period.
For audiences, it represents a rare opportunity to experience a completely 'new' work from a canonical author. The play's themes are described as haunting and poetic, consistent with Williams' signature style exploring the human condition. Its premiere on BBC Radio 3 will introduce this lost gem to a global audience, adding a fresh chapter to the playwright's enduring legacy.
The upcoming production underscores the BBC's continued commitment to bringing rare and significant dramatic works to the public airwaves. It also highlights the ongoing potential for discoveries within well-studied archives, reminding us that historical collections can still yield major surprises.
