Review: Somewhat Flat and Unengaging MOTHER COURAGE from Seattle Shakes

The works and style of Bertolt Brecht, such as "Mother Courage and Her Children" currently being offered from Seattle Shakespeare Company, is not for everyone nor is it always easy for the audience. With his distanced and jarring style and bleak narratives, Brecht is not what you would call a fun night at the theater. But even if it's not your thing you should still be able to come away with decent performances. And while there were some outstanding performances in the Seattle Shakes production, on the whole it left me flat.

Set during the 30 years war in 1620's and 30's Sweden we follow Mother Courage (Jeanne Paulsen) as she tries to run her canteen wagon to make a living for her and her children Eilif, Swiss Cheese and Kattrin (Trick Danneker, Spencer Hamp and Chesa Greene). But the war is everywhere and one by one her children get caught up in it with dire consequences.

See, not a lot of laughs going on here. And while I'm good with heavy drama I prefer less gloom for gloom-sake. Director Jeff Steitzer has tried to keep this heavy show with it's modernistic translation by Dave Hare as engaging as possible but with the constant interruption of the flow from the songs (another staple of Brecht) it's difficult to keep a narrative going.

Especially difficult since Paulsen as the title character didn't capture my attention. Sure she's a strong woman in these hopeless times but her delivery felt quite stale and one note and came across more as a recitation of quips and proverbs and less as dialog. She felt more like Mother Exposition and she's a good 85% of the show. There are some bright spots of the show however. R. Hamilton Wright as Cook is his usual delightful self and Danneker and Hamp make for wonderfully sympathetic sons who are caught up in the terrible situation. And I have to mention a stunning performance from Greene who managed to convey tons of thought and heart with a character who's mute and can only elicit the most rudimentary sounds. In fact she only truly speaks in one brief narration moment and yet from her performance I feel I know more about the inner workings of her character than any other in the show.

But like I said, Brecht is not for everyone and this production of "Mother Courage" was not for me. And so with my three letter rating system I give "Mother Courage and Her Children" a disinterested MEH. But if you're a fan of Brecht and his style then this may be a totally different experience for you.

"Mother Courage and Her Children" from Seattle Shakespeare Company performs at the Center Theatre through November 22nd. For tickets or information contact the Seattle Shakespeare Company box office at 206-733-8222 or visit them online at www.seattleshakespeare.org.

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