Brecht’s ‘Szechwan’ Still Has Relevance

When Bertolt Brecht wrote “The Good Woman of Szechwan” it had a lot to say about the social and political climate of its time. It still does, even in the coloring book simplicity of its script, and even with the author’s title rewritten to salve current sensibilities as “The Good Person of. . . .”

This adaptation of Ralph Manheim’s and Eric Bentley’s translation by Michelle Hensley (who also directs) uses even broader strokes of color than usual. Part of the reason is that this staging is being performed around town before audiences of the homeless.

It’s staged a la commedia dell’arte, and performed likewise, but without much technical prowess. It’s sloppy, offhand and amateurish.

An exception is the performance of Christianne Mays as the person, but the overall quality of this experience for the homeless leaves them again disenfranchised.

“The Good Person of Szechwan;” Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Good Shepherd Center, Hawkes Residence, 703 N. Waterloo, Silver Lake; Sunday, 2:30 p.m., Gramercy Place Jewish Family Services, 827 S. Gramercy Place. Free. Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.