By Michael Dwyer
Dress Rehersal for “The Good Person of Szechwan” with Full Impact Theater
The Good Person of Szechwan
Bertolt Brecht wrote “The Good Person of Szechwan” between 1939 and 1943 while in exile from Germany during World War II. It made its debut on February 4, 1943, at the Schauspielhaus Zurich, in Zurich, Switzerland. Considered one of the best epic plays by Brecht because of its universal themes and the way it challenges the audience.
The first English-language version of the play came to the United States in 1948 and the Brecht parable continues to be a popular and regular production. Now, Rochester area residents have the opportunity to explore “how to be a good person in and imperfect, money-centered, class-divided world” at the Older Persons’ Commission (OPC).
Kayla of Rochester on stage at the OPC in a dress rehearsal for “The Good Person of Szechwan”
Full Impact Theater
The award-winning 4-H club in 2000 moved on to become the Michigan Youth Theater 2001, both founded by Dr. Lisa Hodge Kander. They were approved for their non-profit status in 2005.
“We changed our name to Full Impact Theater in the spring of 2012, but our mission remains the same—to develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills in youth ages 12 to 19 through theater production experiences while providing professional quality, classics-based live theater experiences and education for community schools and audiences of all ages.”
Retired in 2011, Dr. Lisa Hodge Kander returns to direct this production of Brecht’s “The Good Person of Szechwan.” “Brecht’s story of Shen Teh, a good person in a hard world, has haunted me for years. It is both timeless and especially timely today,” says Kander, “Teens are wrestling with the very questions this play faces.”
This Weekend Only
Students from private, public and home schools come together to present their production of Bertolt Brecht’s epic parable. The teens are from Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Twp., Auburn Hills, Lake Orion, Pontiac, Waterford and Clarkston.
Rochester Area teens, Peyton, Phoenix, Holly, Lainie, Kayla and Nathalie perform in The Good Person of Szechwan
The Good Person of Szechwan
By Bertolt Brecht
Directed by Dr. Lisa Hodge Kander
Older Persons’ Commission (OPC) 650 Letica Drive Rochester MI 48307
Friday, May 17, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 18, 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 19, 2:00 p.m.
General Admission – $10 ($12 at the door)
Seniors and Students – $8 ($10 at the door)
Doors open at 6:30 for evening shows and 1:30 for matinees. Seating is general, first come first serve.
Summer 2013
Full Impact Theater will be performing The Two Gentlemen of Verona this summer as part of its “Shakespeare-in-the-park” series at the Rochester Municipal Park.
More information available at www.FullImpactTheater.org
Michael Dwyer is a freelance writer and travel columnist. Michael writes about happenings in the Rochester area, travels across Michigan and destinations around the world. Contact him at Michael@RochesterMedia.com
About Michael Dwyer