Writer: Bertolt Brecht
Translator and Adapter: Lee Hall
Director: Mark Dornford-May
A courageous company of talented North East stars shine brightly at the Live Theatre in Newcastle this week as Ensemble ’84 and Isango Ensemble combine to bring Mother Courage and Her Children to life. The intimate, cabaret setting creates an ideal platform for the retelling of Bertolt Brecht’s Mother Courage and Her Children. This is an anti-war play written by Brecht in response to the invasion of Poland in 1939.
Although this play is set in 1624, portraying a war between Catholics and Protestants, it is still relevant today. Mother Courage clearly shows that the reasons for wars have not changed and wars, at the end of the day, are all about money. The main theme of the play, however, is the love of a mother for her children and her battle to survive against all odds.
The company tonight, Ensemble ’84 and a South African company, Isango Ensemble, combine together masterfully. Ensemble ’84 was born in a small mining community, Horden Colliery. Director Mark Dornford-May wanted to create a theatre company in the same way as he did for Isango Ensemble in South Africa – his aim being to create a theatre company that would change lives.
The script has been adapted by Lee Hall of Billy Elliot fame, the setting of Billy Elliot being only a stone’s throw away from Horden in the small mining village of Easington. Hall states that for him it was like ‘coming home’. The mixture of the two community theatre companies creates something magical.
The play begins with the sound of the marimbas, an African musical instrument with a lower tone than a xylophone. The music is composed by Mandisi Dyantis, adding atmosphere to the whole creation as the story follows Anna Fierling, nicknamed Mother Courage, as she fights to survive as the canteen woman with the Swedish army. She is a wily individual who will do anything to survive. Her makeshift canteen wagon can be seen as a metaphor for the burden she has to carry.
Paulina Malefane, from the Isango Ensemble, commands the stage with her presence. Her subtle movements and sweeping gestures are masterful. This reviewer, however, would have loved to hear more singing from this acclaimed opera singer.
This piece of theatre is not just about the professionalism of Isango Ensemble but the seamless combination with Ensemble ’84, a company formed from those with little acting experience. They combine together beautifully and it’s hard to believe they have little acting experience as they command the stage with their presence like true professionals which they now are.
Courage’s children, Swiss Cheese (Joseph Hammal), Eilif (Brodie Daniel) and Katrin (Noluthando Boqwana-Page) are portrayed competently. Hammal and Daniel are from the Ensemble ’84 company and it is hard to believe that these are their first professional roles. Their clarity of speech and confident movements are a joy to watch. They engage with the audience as they move the story along. Page as Katrin has a trickier role as she is mute. Her facial expressions and body movements are masterful. Keith Irons as the Cook brings humour to the role and commands the stage like a professional.
Wendy Hindmarch as Yvette, the courtesan, gave an outstanding performance. Her strong vocals are a joy to listen to. She struts across the stage and bursts into song with confidence, leaving you breathless. A memorable performance from this new talent.
Although this is an anti-war play it is also full of humour. There are naturally some loud noises from the war machines but it is mainly about family and survival during hard times. It is a play that will resonate with today’s audience.
This reviewer looks forward to seeing more from this new company. It is such a joy to see new, raw, North East talent at its best.
Runs until Saturday 1st November.
