MOTHER COURAGE AND HER CHILDREN Takes Stage at Tina Packer Playhouse, 7/26

Considered by many to be one of the greatest plays of the 20th century, MOTHER COURAGE AND HER CHILDREN is set against the backdrop of the Thirty Years War of the seventeenth century. The play follows the fate of Mother Courage, an artful canteen woman with the Swedish Army, intent on keeping her business and family alive amidst the destruction of war. Written by Bertolt Brecht, directed by Artistic Director Tony Simotes and starring Academy Award-winner Olympia Dukakis, this play still resonates today providing a profound insight into the moral implications of war. MOTHER COURAGE AND HER WOMEN runs July 26 - August 25, in S&Co.'s Tina Packer Playhouse.

Tickets are $15-95 and S&Co. offers a wide range of discount options, including discounts for groups, students, senior citizens, military, teachers, and our very popular 40% Berkshire Resident Discount. To view a complete schedule, receive a brochure, or inquire about discounts, please call the Box Office at (413) 637-3353 or visit www.Shakespeare.org. For customized group visits-which may include artist talkbacks, tours, parties and catered events-contact David Joseph at the Group Sales office at(413) 637-1199, ext. 132. The Tina Packer Playhouse is air-conditioned, hearing aid assisted and wheelchair accessible.

Simotes sets the play traditionally, during the period of the Thirty Years War-one of the longest conflicts in European history. The decades between 1618 and 1648 brought violence, cruelty, plague, and famine across Europe. Yet, despite the bleak milieu of a war torn nation, MOTHER COURAGE AND HER CHILDREN is filled with plenty of humor, music, dance, and song.

The trio of Artistic Director Tony Simotes, Academy Award-winner Olympia Dukakis and her brother, Apollo Dukakis, reteam after the critically acclaimed, sold out run of THE TEMPEST during Shakespeare & Company's 35th Season. "I had a terrific time last summer exploring THE TEMPEST with Tony and the amazing cast and crew," said Olympia Dukakis when MOTHER COURAGE AND HER CHILDREN was announced last fall. "I consider Shakespeare & Company one of my artistic homes - a place of artistic support and enthusiasm. I jumped at the chance to get in the rehearsal room with Tony and my brother again." Dukakis has previously performed the role of MOTHER COURAGE to great critical acclaim. She recently completed a run in the title role of Elektra at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco and this past spring was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Dukakis also received The Massachusetts Cultural Council's 2013 Common Wealth Award for Achievement, the highest award given by the state.

Joining the cast will be OBIE Award-winner John Douglas Thompson, star of the North Eastern premiere of SATCHMO at the Waldorf at Shakespeare & Company last summer. Thompson's classical work, which includes title role performances in both OTHELLO and RICHARD III, both of which he worked on with Simotes at Shakespeare & Company, has prompted The New York Times to describe him as "one of the most compelling classical stage actors of his generation."

Artistic Director Tony Simotes brings in an unparalleled creative team who will underscore the show including, costume designer Arthur Oliver, choreographer Barbara Allen, lighting designer Matthew Adelson, and set designer Patrick Brennan. Sound designer Scott Killian teams up with music director Ian Millikento create a vibrant and powerful musical palette that buoys and supports the production.

"To be back in the rehearsal room with Olympia, John, and Apollo is pure joy. Our friendship allows us to take creative risks and explore more deeply together the challenges of Brecht's masterpiece," said Simotes when asked about his recent rehearsal experience. When asked about the play he stated, "there is a thread within MOTHER COURAGE, and within this play, that constantly pulls life forward-an inherent sense there's only so much time for remorse or regret because we have to keep moving forward. When we think of the play as something beyond an anti-war play, it becomes clear that Brecht casts a light on the war of humanity, not just a war of countries. He details, through characters and situations, the war that rages inside so many of us as we try to understand who and what we are as human beings."

The eclectic cast features many long time Company favorites such as Charls Sedgwick Hall, Edgar Landa, Douglas Seldin, Josh Aaron McCabe, Renee Margaret Speltz, and Paula Langton. S&Co. also welcomes new comers including Mark Bedard and Brooke Parks. Most cast members in Mother Courage and Her Children cross over into Love's Labour's Lost, actors in both shows include Nafeesa Monroe, Andy Talen, Michael F. Toomey, and Ryan Winkles.

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