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Mother Courage and Her Children (Part 1)

An innovative new version of Brecht’s timeless 1939 anti-war play with songs. Maggie Steed plays Mother Courage, partly recorded in Kyiv, Ukraine, making it hugely relevant today.

An innovative new two-part radio production of Brecht’s timeless anti-war play with songs. A narrator observes from present day Ukraine, and unconventional techniques mirror Brecht’s “alienation effect”.

Recorded in London and Kyiv, with a mixed cast, Mother Courage and her three adult children pull her cart through a land ravaged by the Thirty Years War (1618-48), loaded with supplies for sale to whoever will buy them. They follow armies across Germany and Sweden for over two decades, trading with soldiers, and turning a profit, selling anything armies desire or require; morals don’t enter into it. The more desperate they are, the more she charges them. Nothing comes before making a profit, not even her three children.

Many consider Mother Courage to be the greatest anti-war play ever and one of the 20th century's greatest plays. Bertolt Brecht's classic drama with songs (last produced on ±«Óătv radio in 1990), is now all the more pertinent and relevant, with war returning to Europe. A resonant new Mother Courage for Europe today.

Adapter/director Turan Ali has 3 decades of award-winning radio drama under his belt.
Musical Director Tim Sutton composed new music and adapted Brecht’s lyrics for the 7 songs.

CAST
Mother Courage - Maggie Steed
Narrator (in Kyiv) - Rob Feldman
Chaplain - Guy Henry
Cook - William Brand
Yvette - Sirine Saba
Kattrin - Fiona Skinner
Eilif - Andre Antonio
Swiss Cheese - Taheen Modak
Sergeant - Richard Glover
Rec. Officer - David Holt
Commander - Mark Straker

Musicians : Sophie Creaner, Freddie Gavita, Beth Higham-Edwards, Justin Quinn, Ian Watson.

New music and adapted lyrics by Tim Sutton
Adapted for radio and directed by Turan Ali
A Bona Broadcasting production for ±«Óătv Radio 4

57 minutes

Last on

Sun 16 Jul 2023 15:00

Broadcast

  • Sun 16 Jul 2023 15:00

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