Control at a Cost

New York Mag

           Throughout our discussion of war, from ancient epics to modern examples, I will look closer into the Theater of War that was touched on in the last posting. Thought there are no online arrangements to steam this film, I strongly suggest that you watch it before or after reading this post. Throughout this posting I would like to analyze the extent of the individuals, both in the play and in the creation of the performance, ability to delegate and receive authority. In addition I will observe the casting choices and artistic decisions made in the making of the play.

            When looking at the characters practices of authority it is important to note to ask with authority and who is acted upon. Over various parts of the documentary we see how the formation of Mother Courage is both influenced by Meryl Streep in the director John Walter. Streep notes how Mother Courage places monetary gain over the well being of her family and others.  In one particular scene, which really sticks out to me, Mother Courage is asked in a panic to provide cloth and bandage up someone that is been severely injured and is bleeding out. When a man asks Mother Courage for any cloth that she has, she says that she does not want to give any to him because they will get soaked with blood and become unsellable. This is a prime example of how Mother Courage exerts control through her restriction of material while displaying her flawed values, placing peoples lives behind making a quick buck.

Art Scene In Whales

             It is hard not to have an artistic appreciation for the play, especially after having researched the author and seen the movie. Though I do find the vast majority of the choices, made for the performance, to be quite good, I must agree with the “The Courage of Their Convictions” from New York Magazine stating that Meryl Streep as Mother Courage is clearly a miscasting. The whole point for Brechtian theater is that it is didactic while minimizing the interaction and any connection made to the audience by the actors. Given Meryl Streep’s extensive resume, I believe that she brought too much attention to the play. Though I do admit that an increase in the public’s exposure to Brecht is good, I do not believe that he would like publicity for his plays to be brought about in such a manor. 





 

Works Cited

Demack, Ian. "Why Machiavelli Matters." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 24 Sept. 2008.

Web. 30 Nov. 2015.

McCarter, Jeremy. "The Courage of Their Convictions." NYMag.com. New York

Magazine, n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2015..