Theater Review -- Tom Titus

Whoever coined the phrase “goodness is its own reward” never

experienced Bertolt Brecht’s “The Good Person of Szechuan,” wherein

goodness just seems to get the good person in question into a steaming

heap of trouble.

Brecht’s discomforting epic play -- with elements of drama, comedy,

romance and even musical numbers -- demonstrates how goodness, if it is

to be preserved, should be tempered by a counterbalancing force that is

not so saintly. And even then, problems ensue by the dozens.

The UC Irvine production unfolds on the spacious stage of the Irvine

Barclay Theatre. Director Robert Cohen, who staged another translation of

the play at UCI in 1968, has populated the immense stage with an

admirable multicultural cast -- all ostensibly Chinese, though major

roles are filled by actors of all ethnic backgrounds. The title role, for

instance, is played by a black actress, with her major love interest of

the Caucasian persuasion.

Shen Te (Donnetta Lavinia Grays) is among the lower class of Szechuan,

a prostitute who is “easy” in more than one respect. She finds it

impossible to reject anyone in need. When three squabbling gods (PJ

Wagner, Stephen Ivey and Safiya Fredericks) descend in search of a truly

good person to give them overnight lodging, they find shelter in Shen

Te’s humble abode.

This act of kindness convinces the gods there is at least one truly

good individual on Earth, and they reward Shen Te with $100, which she

uses to buy a tobacco shop. But far from being her salvation, this

transition only marks the beginning of her troubles as parasitic friends

and relatives pounce on her for shelter and sustenance, and her romantic

life becomes thoroughly complicated.

Grays brings an electric presence to the Barclay stage, both as the

reformed prostitute and the hardhearted “cousin” she impersonates to

become her enforcer, since her true persona is such an easy mark. She

splendidly conveys Brecht’s sense of moral conflict -- how to truly lead

a noble life and function as a survivor in it.

UCI’s cast is huge and varied, but one other figure stands out with a

flourish -- Amanda Schmieder as the vociferous mother of Shen Te’s true

love, a morally flawed pilot (splendidly played as a charming heel by

Jeff Farkash). Schmieder enacts her meddling mama character with enough

engaging charm to offset her character’s more mercenary tendencies.

Another well-formed interpretation is Martin Swoverland’s Weng, who

functions beautifully as both the village water seller and Brecht’s

narrative device. Jessica Stevenson also enriches the show as the

matriarch of the family of leeches that attaches itself to Shen Te’s

newfound good fortune, as does Ryan Jensen as the village barber who

seeks the ex-prostitute’s heart.

Created by Grant van Zevern, the multilevel, rotating set representing

the village and its various nooks and crannies works exceptionally well

as scenes are seamlessly shifted by the hard-hatted stage crew. Costume

designer Elizabeth A. Cox has fashioned some authentic-looking designs --

especially the three multicolored get-ups worn by the gods -- while

Colleen Baxter Dowling’s lighting effects nicely seek out and highlight

the crucial elements of the play.

An unseen but definitely important impact is Yung Wha Son’s original

musical compositions, which signal the transitions in the story. Three

musicians -- cellist Eunjee Kim, keyboard player Jieun Park and

percussionist Dan Savell -- create the swelling effect of a full

orchestra.

“The Good Person of Szechuan” is an extremely ambitious but ultimately

rewarding production brimming with ensemble excellence and laced with the

playwright’s fire in the belly, which came to be known as “Brechtian

theater.” It succeeds on many levels at the Barclay.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews

appear Thursdays and Saturdays.

FYI

* What: “The Good Person of Szechuan”

* Where: Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine

* When: Closing performances 8 p.m. today through Saturday, 2 p.m.

Sunday

* Cost: $13-$15

* Call: (949) 824-2787