When one produces a standard work in the theatre canon, it is always with the intention of finding a new way in, of opening fresh or particularly relevant doors for the audience. Such an approach encourages the actors and designers to take chances, and gives the audience the expectation that it is worthwhile seeing the same play more than once over the years. Familiar as I am with Brecht’s work, I have never seen a staging of this play before; although I have seen the television production of Meryl Streep rehearsing the title role for Broadway, and I have seen numerous production stills of various interpretations. I certainly approached this production with high expectations; and in many ways, I was not disappointed.

As the script ages, expository details such as costumes, Continue reading →