The Trellis

If you didn't like Brecht before...

...You will learn what it means to love him, love his creation, love his insight. And you just might learn to like Kushner too...or at least appreciate it...

If anyone happens to be in NYC before Sept. 3rd you MUST go to see Mother Courage and Her Children at Shakespeare in the Park. I'm in the process of writing my very first "fan" letter, and I'm sending it to not only Mr. Kushner, but Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, George C. Wolfe, and maybe to Brecht himself (yes I know he's dead...with God anything's possible)

I'll be honest. I tried to be cool and like Brecht a while ago, but I didn't really understand him. His whole "non-conformity" bent was my main attraction, but now I'm starting to get it, even if I don't always agree with it. This production helps you get it. Kushner's translation is so accessible. Of course I don't have full command of the German language myself, so I couldn't possibly begin to critique it on that basis, but from what I understand through different critical sources, this translation does the original much justice. Granted the language itself could be rather rough on the "discriminating" ear, but that's a risk you have to take. In the grand scheme, it communicates supremely.

If you're a Republican you might not like it. Its probably safe to say you'll hate it. And I think even most Democrats out there will say the same. It just goes to show that hate transcends political boundaries. Don't get scared, I'm not turning Marxist or anything. This play speaks truth. The actors really communicate, and Meryl Streep really is one of the greatest actors....

First time in a really long time, if ever, when I've seen (I say seen because this is different, obviously, from being in) a play, that I have had a "transcendent" experience. I didn't float off into nirvana, or go into ecstasy like Teresa of Avila. It wasn't trance-like. Don't get scared. It really just accomplished its goal. I think you know what I'm talking about.

It went beyond the limits of our time and space, our flesh...and we were in dialogue with each other (audience::audience, actor::actor, and especially audience::actor)...really communicating what it means to be human, and how desperate we ALL are too. You know what it says? It says, it doesn't matter what country you're from, what gender you are, what age you are, what religion you are. War is atrocious. And maybe peace is too. This play is not a fiction. If you want to learn what life is like for human beings, watch this.

Yes, there are some very strong opinions, very strong choices. And what I admire the most about the translation, direction, and acting is just that. Even if I don't agree with a view (but honestly, this show in my opinion doesn't attempt to sway you're political or religious affiliation... that would be naive) --even if I don't agree with a view, the fact that these people have committed to such choices is admirable, and an example for us, especially as artists, to learn from.

There are some technical elements that need refining; light & sound cues, fumbled or dropped lines here and there, the occasional misplaced prop. I only discovered after the show that what I saw was only a preview performance, and the official opening wasn't until 21 August. (Incidentally, did you know that, 14 August 2006, is 50 years since Brecht died?)

Even after my initial reaction and excitment I can say that I'm still moved by it. It really makes you think... It's been a couple of days now, and I still feel like I was witness to a major world event.

I had to share. Thanks for "listening". Hope you can appreciate this too.

Ciao.

posted by Mish @ 13:36