A Streetcar Named Desire “Streetcar” is widely considered to be one of America’s best written pieces of the 20th Century, penned by lauded playwright, Tennessee Williams. Blanche DuBois, after encountering a series of personal losses, leaves her privileged background to move into a shabby apartment in downtown New Orleans, rented by her younger sister and her brother-in-law. The residents’ contrasting personalities clash in dramatic fashion as they struggle for power in their respective relationships.