A Man’s A Man
The Odyssey Theatre Ensemble under the able direction of Ron Sossi who gave up a successful career in television to pursue his theatrical dreams first presented A Man’s A Man in 1969 in protest of the Vietnam war. Mr. Sossi states, “ Now it seems timely to present it again”.
A Man ‘s A Man tell the story of Galy Gay (here played by the wonderfully talented Beth Hogan assaying this typically male role) who is a simple man out shopping who by the trickery of some soldiers, is turned into a soldier and eventually a killing machine. It is Brecht’s ode to the inhumanity of man and using this Chaplinesque character, he shows how inside ever man is a monster. By having Ms. Hogan play the role, Sossi not only utilizes a great actress but also underlines the characters simple vulnerability Ms Hogan does an admirable job of conveying this human transformation.
The cast consists of several members of the Odyssey’s Koan group, a group of actors that get together yearly to explore a piece of literature and find new and interesting ways to put it onstage. Included in this group is Alan Abelew who plays Wang and provides much of the needed humor in the piece. Also there is Diana Cignoni who plays the Widow Begbick the owner of a traveling brothel and bar. Brad C Light who appeared in Sossi’s Threepenny Opera plays Polly, one of three soldiers who trick Galy into the army. All the performers are able and throw themselves with great commitment into the work at hand. They include Christopher Basile, Sarah Demeestere, Douglas Dennard, Julia Devine, Kelley Goode, Austin Herbert, Will Kepper, Eric Losoya, Ochuwa Oghie, Derf Reklow, Nina Sallinen, Tyler Thomas, and Cary Thompson. Michelle Toy provides some original music. sets are by Janne Larson. Costumes are by Elizabeth Hoffman
Together as an ensemble and under the inventive direction of Sossi, they present a gripping evening in the theatre. A Man’s A Man may not be the shocking piece of agitprop it once was but it still makes for an interesting and engaging evening in the theatre.
A Man’s A Man runs at the Odyssey Theatre until Dec 21.