'Setzuan' stirs up themes of goodness

Often one will be walking on the streets of Ann Arbor during the evening and will be approached by a homeless person, dressed in worn clothes, asking for some change. There is the ever-popular admonition about not giving hand-outs to beggars; one is warned that the homeless will use the money for drugs. But how can one go about changing such a cynical and hard world? This dilemma is at the root of Bertolt Brecht's parable, "The Good Woman of Setzuan."

REVIEW
	The Good Woman of Setzuan April 19, 1997 East Quad

Set in the partially-modernized village of Setzuan, China, the play is a tale about how difficult it is for a person to stay good in an evil world. The story begins with the arrival of three gods who are on a mission to solidify their moral system by finding one good person on Earth. They are taken in by Shen Te, the local prostitute; she becomes their example of a benevolent citizen. The gods reward her with money, which she uses to open a small shop. The poor of the town take advantage of Shen Te's kindness, and to survive financially, she must disguise herself as a harsh capitalist "cousin," Shui Ta.

Director Kate Mendeloff and her actors handle the weighty message of the play beautifully. The heavy subject matter is lightened up by song, humor and charismatic performances. The lead role of Shen Te is divided between three female actresses; the split works well to show the gradual compromise of Shen Te's moral standards, as she relies more and more upon her alter ego, Shui Ta.

All three of these actresses portray the part well, each with a different strength. Heather Dilly's wounded expressions, Libby Walen's vulnerable stance and Carrie Keranen's emphatic tone all work to give Shen Te the color that transcends her from the average good girl, to a heroine that is both sweet and savvy.

Good performances were also given by likable Alex Lutz as Shen Te's street-smart friend, Mrs. Mi Tzu; and humorous Sen Mike Wang as the amorous barber, Mr. Shu Fu.

Energy was added by a chorus of homeless people who sang Brecht's songs to the original music of Benjamin Cohen.

The real punch of the play came with the original prologue, written by Gordon Smith. The audience was still getting settled when out into the house walked the three actresses playing Shen Te - dressed as normal college students. They are stopped by a character who asks them for some change. This prompts a discussion between the three girls about whether or not to give money to people on the street. The beggar, played by Benjamin Graham, returns to the stage as narrator, pulling the girls, by turn, into the role of Shen Te.

The modern speech and dress of the characters, the urban setting of the play and the small sign that informed the audience that its ticket money would be donated to the homeless all worked as reminders of Brecht's message.

It is a bold undertaking to gather a small auditorium of people for two hours and preach to them about something important, something that might make a difference. The company of "The Good Woman of Setzuan" accomplished this beautifully and with heart. Perhaps their spirit will cause some thought about the difference one could make in the life of that next homeless person that passes one by on the street.

"The Good Woman of Setzuan" artfully addressed a theme of social change.

04-21-97