Tickets available for this year's production of Mother Courage and her Children

Rehearsals for this year's end of year production Mother Courage and her Children are well underway, with just two weeks to go until the curtain rises on Shrewsbury's take on the Brecht play.

Brecht wrote Mother Courage and her Children, arguably the greatest anti-war drama of all time, while living in exile due to Nazi Germany’s invasion of Poland. The world was in turmoil, teetering on the brink of WW2. The play explores the cost of survival, the determination of the human spirit, and the unyielding power of a mother's love in the face of adversity. A dedicated Marxist, and a staunch critic of capitalism, Brecht wanted to highlight that war benefits the powerful and wealthy, while ordinary people suffer unimaginable losses. 

The indomitable Anna Fierling - nick-named 'Mother Courage’ - is a cunning and resilient woman, who navigates the chaos and perils of war, fuelled by a relentless determination to survive. She crosses the battlefields, cleverly capitalising on any opportunities presented by the conflict, while her three children - Eilif, Swiss Cheese and mute Kattrin - also grapple with the harsh realities of war. She is a warrior, a comedian, a cynic, a lover, a survivor and a dreamer.

Of course, this is Shrewsbury, and we would not be having “serious fun” if rehearsals didn’t also involve circus tricks and a rubber chicken! 

The central role of ‘Mother Courage’, originated by Brecht’s wife, Helene Weigel, is shared between Clemmy S (G, LVI) and Hettie S (EDH, LVI).

Clemmy said: “Rehearsals have been incredibly enjoyable and the cast is wonderfully supportive! The version of the play is both entertaining and refreshingly unique.  Although the play deals with some heart-breaking themes, it blends them with fun and exciting elements.”

Louis M (CH, LVI) takes on the role of the Chaplain, who, representing the moral ambiguity that Brecht criticises in institutionalised religion, finds his idealism challenged as he is forced to confront the compromises and contradictions that arise in the face of war.

Louis added: “The rehearsals have been a continuous source of entertainment, and I have loved improving my acting alongside the rest of the company.”

Eilif, Mother Courage’s eldest son, is played by Will H (CH, LVI), previously seen onstage at the Barnes Theatre in ’The Seagull’ (2023) and as Cinderella’s Prince in ‘Into The Woods’. A strikingly different role for Will, Eilif is an idealistic young man, tragically marked by blind obedience to authority and a strong sense of duty, which leads to devastating consequences for himself and his family.  His younger brother, 'Swiss Cheese’, a character of great integrity and a symbol of conscience, is sensitively played by Ed D (SH, III). 

Faye P (G, V) plays Yvette, the soldiers’ sweetheart, to great comic effect.  No stranger to the Barnes Theatre stage, Faye previously performed in ’The Seagull’, (2023), as Hermia in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ (2023) and as Cinderella in 'Into The Woods’ (2022). She will also be lending her vocal talents to a beautifully tragic Edith Piaf number. 

Finlay C (O, LVI) brings superb comic timing to his role as The Cook, who endlessly competes with The Chaplain for Mother Courage’s affections. Impulsive and hedonistic, The Cook's cynical humour and sharp wit contribute to the play’s satirical tone. 

Our production will feature a soundtrack of well-known tunes from anti-war activists such as John Lennon, Bob Dylan and Scott Matthew, with live music from Lilith P (QEH, LVI), and a beautiful lyrical dance number performed by our Kattrin (Clara C-J, EDH, III).  There will be cartwheeling soldiers, unapologetic slapstick, and a 1950s doo-wap jive. 

Mother Courage and her Children will be performed on June 25th, 26th and 27th in the Barnes Theatre. Tickets are available here. 

Ceri-Lyn Cissone-Hunter

Drama teacher and Director of Mother Courage