My experience of the play, Mother Courage, was sensational and emotionally impactful to say the least. This was my favorite show of the trip so far! I was deeply invested in the characters as well as the story and the message that the playwriter, Brecht, conveyed to the audience. I thought that Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre was a perfect venue for Mother Courage, as we got very front standing spots, so close to the stage that I was able to rest my arms on it! I could see the emotions felt by the characters very clearly and what deep emotions they were.
As Brecht likes to distance the audience from the characters and the world they live in, I still felt emotionally connected to many of the characters. Although he does this to convey the message of the play to the audience rather than them identifying with the characters specifically. I thought the message of the play was clearly conveyed through the techniques of the actors and storyline that was brought to life. I thought the actors making eye contact with the certain audience members, talking to them and even reaching out and touching one of them resulted in the viewer’s alienation from the characters on stage.
Personally, I enjoy the performance of a play more when I am emotionally invested in the characters and the story. I don’t believe that the play is less successful in conveying its message of never-ending war and its costs. If I had not been emotionally immersed in the play, I might not have liked or understood its grand overall stand on the politics at the time, which are still relevant in today’s day and age. The play allowed me to really pay attention and love the characters that had a heartbreaking ending, due to their place in the war.
Theatre in London U of A 