German touch in Sinhala version of ‘The Good Woman of Setzuan’

By Ayesha Inoon

The rhythm of a drum accompanies a change of scene as the actors clamber over the scaffolding that is the stage, to get into different positions. Words are exchanged in English, Sinhala and – German – as the director and the cast rehearse their lines. A translator helps to keep the communication going.

It is apparent that this is going to be a production out of the ordinary as The Goethe-Institut and The University of Visual and Performing Arts in collaboration with the Academy of Design, presents a Sinhalese version of ‘The Good Woman of Setzuan’ – a play by the renowned German playwright, Bertolt Brecht. One of the most significant European dramatists of the 20th century, Brecht in this play, gives a modern parable about the nature of morality in a competitive world.

“This is a play that has a strong theatrical impact,” says Matthias Gehrt, a Director from Berlin, whom the Goethe-Institut flew in for this production, “It makes the audience think – it gives you the questions and not the answers.” Matthias, who has been in theatre for over 25 years and directed plays in many countries such as Africa, Mexico and Canada, finds that ‘The Good Woman of Setzuan’ is one of the most stimulating and evocative plays in modern drama.

He adds that the play seems especially relevant to Sri Lankan society, where unemployment, destitution and political and economical problems are so much more a reality than in the West.

Is it possible to live a good and honest life in an immoral society? This is the main theme of the play. Written in 1939-40, the play was originally set in a remote Chinese province. It tells the story of Shen Te, a young prostitute who is given the opportunity to pursue a new way of life by three visiting deities.

“Each production is a new piece of art with new interpretations,” says Richard Lang, Director of the Goethe Institut. “We want to avoid boring realism – we want people to be able to use their imaginations,” he adds.

The challenging role of Shen Te, who has to change costumes in full view of the audience to become her male double Shui Ta, is played by Nishadi Ratnawalee, an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Visual and Performing Arts. The rest of the cast is made up of students from the University and the costumes are to be done by the students of the Academy of Design.

The premiere of the play will be at the John De Silva Theatre on November 7 for invitees only followed by a public performance on November 8. Tickets will be available at the entrance.