Brecht's The Good Person of Setzuan combines politics, comedy and music

Inspired by ancient Chinese folk tales, Bertolt Brecht's play The Good Person of Setzuan is a comedic blend of song, dance and theater. The play's large cast includes, from left, Keith Chu as Yang Sun, Sarah K. Chalmers as Shen Te and Matt Volner as Wong. Call 254-ARTS for tickets and information. Cascadilla Photography

The Good Person of Setzuan, Bertolt Brecht's comedic morality play, will be presented Nov. 18 through Dec. 4 at Cornell's Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts. Told through song, poignant comedy and Chinese folk tales, the story follows three gods who descend into the city of Setzuan to reward a kind prostitute who is the one virtuous person in the devastated community. How she copes with her new good fortune and with those who want to take it from her is at the heart of this timely parable.

"I think this play speaks to today's political dialogue," said guest director Joanna Settle. "It shows how a good woman can be split into two and the clean break between good and evil." Settle comes to Cornell from directing the much-lauded off-Broadway production of Nine Parts of Desire for the Manhattan Ensemble Theater.

The Good Person of Setzuan is one of Brecht's most intercultural plays, blending his fascination with Chinese theatricality, German politics and American detective novels. "Part of Brecht's genius is the way he combines different cultures to make a work that is stylistically a piece of art," Settle said. Brecht, whose prolific works include Threepenny Opera and Mother Courage, is considered one of the most influential playwrights of the 20th century. Cornell is the site of the regional premiere of the translation by Douglas Langworthy, the seven-year resident dramaturg for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and currently on faculty at the Yale School of Drama.

Cornell's production of this gripping play will feature original music by composer Obadiah Eaves that is part ancient Chinese, part classic rock and part vaudeville. Eaves has composed for the New York Shakespeare Festival, Radio City Music Hall and The Acting Company. Additional designers for the production are: Kent Goetz (scenic), Richard MacPike (costumes) and Daniel Hall (lights).

The cast of The Good Person of Setzuan includes both professional actors and Cornell students. Playing the three gods are: Gia Crovatin, Sirisha Nandiapti and Lydia Froncek. Other leading roles include: Resident Professional Teaching Associate (RPTA) Sarah K. Chalmers (Shin Te/Shui Ta), RPTA Patrick Rameau (Shu Fu), Danielle Thorpe (Mrs. Yang), Matt Volner (Wong), Keith Chu (Yang Sun), RPTA Laurence Drozd (The Husband) and Kristen Frazier (Mrs. Shin).

The Good Person of Setzuan opens tonight, Nov. 18, at 8. Evening performances continue Nov. 19-20 and Dec. 2-4. One afternoon matinee will be offered on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 for students and seniors and $10 general admission. A "Meet the Actors" discussion will be held following the Dec. 2 performance.

For tickets and information, call or visit the box office in the Schwartz Center, 430 College Ave., between 12:30 and 5:30 p.m. weekdays or call 254-ARTS.