This is the classic tale of three gods come to earth in search of a genuinely good person as only Bertolt Brecht could tell it. Brecht's 'epic' approach to theatre lends itself well to the story of a young prostitute who offers the three gods shelter after they are shunned by the rest of society. However, the prostitute, Shen Teh, soon discovers how taxing caring for everyone in need of aid can be and so she invents the character of Shui Ta, a male 'Tobacco King,' to help her handle the world's evils. An incredibly progressive play, even by today's standards, The Good Person of Szechwan transcends gender, race, and religion to deliver a fable that will continue to resonate for generations to come.

The authorized, definitive editions of two of Bertolt Brecht’s most enduring works

The Good Person of Szechwan is one of Bertolt Brecht’s most popular works. When three gods come to earth in search of a thoroughly good person, they encounter Shen Teh, a goodhearted but penniless prostitute, who offers them shelter. Rewarded with enough money to open a tobacco shop, “Angel of the Slums” Shen Teh soon becomes so overwhelmed by the demands of people seeking assistance that she invents a male alter ego, “Tobacco K ing” Shui Ta, to deal ruthlessly with the business of living in an evil world. The Good Person of Szechwan is a masterpiece of minimalist design and elegance that shines a light on human nature and social mores.

Carl Weber is a professor of directing and dramaturgy at Stanford University. He was a director for Brecht’s Berliner Ensemble and later directed numerous plays in Europe and the United States. Norm Roessler is editor of Communications, the performance journal of the International Brecht Society, and is a lecturer at Temple University in Philadelphia. John Willett (1917–2002) translated several works by Brecht into English. Ralph Manheim (1907–1992) translated works by Brecht, Hermann Hesse, Günter Grass, and many others.

Imprint: Penguin Classics
Distributor: Penguin Group USA, Inc
Publication Date: 05-27-2008
Pages: 192
Measurements: 7.78in X 5.12in X 0.53in X 0.35lb