Can we practice goodness and create a world to sustain it? In Brecht’s comic and complex play, this question is raised by one of his most entertaining characters — Shen Tei the good-hearted, penniless, cross-dressing prostitute, who is forced to disguise herself as a savvy businessman named Sui Ta so she can master the ruthlessness needed to be a “good person” in a brutal world.
With Taylor Mac, “one of the most exciting theater artists of our times” (Time Out NY), as Shen Tei/Sui Ta and live music by “indie rock vaudevillians” (Spin magazine) César Alvarez & The Lisps, director Lear deBessonet brings this classic theatrical parable to life for the 21st century.
By Bertolt Brecht
A The Foundry Theatre production
Directed by Lear deBessonet
with Taylor Mac as Shen Tei
Music by César Alvarez with The Lisps