Good Person of Szechwan: Behind the scenes of a show at Sheffield's historic Crucible Theatre

It is a classic which has been dramatically up to date. The Good Person of Szechwan, by Bertolt Brecht, was written 80 years ago but over the last month it has been enthralling new audiences in Sheffield.
By Steve Teale
Published 30th Mar 2023, 09:22 BST
Updated 30th Mar 2023, 09:24 BST

Our photographer went behind the scenes to capture the creativity which goes into making a major show such as this one by Sheffield Theatres, ETT and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre productions.

The show has been adapted by Nina Segal, directed by Anthony Lau and designed by Georgia Lowe.

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The play centres on three gods who search for just one honest person on earth to justify humanity’s existence. Finding Shen Te, penniless but principled, they reward her with a life-changing amount of cash.

Behind the Scenes of The Good Person Szechwan at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield. The actor Ami Tredrea rehearsing before the performance.Picture taken by Yorkshire Post Photographer Simon Hulme 23rd March 2023Behind the Scenes of The Good Person Szechwan at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield. The actor Ami Tredrea rehearsing before the performance.Picture taken by Yorkshire Post Photographer Simon Hulme 23rd March 2023
Behind the Scenes of The Good Person Szechwan at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield. The actor Ami Tredrea rehearsing before the performance.Picture taken by Yorkshire Post Photographer Simon Hulme 23rd March 2023

But starting her own business in a money-centred, unequal society, her fortune soon turns to frustration as the more kindness she shows, the more complicated life becomes.

Director Mr Lau said the show was a highlight.

He said: “ Eighty years after The Good Person of Szechwan was first performed, I’m incredibly excited to be working with Nina and the rest of the company to reimagine this timely classic.

"Leaning into the world of arcades, karaoke and the Cantonese movies of my childhood, we are looking forward Ms to investigating how these influences can collide with the stand alone universe that Brecht created. Brecht writes so well of universal truths that transcend time, and Nina has created a translation that is funny, wild and maybe a little too close to the bone.”

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Behind the Scenes of The Good Person Szechwan at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield. Actor Louise Mai Newberry is pictured doing her Make-up Picture taken by Yorkshire Post Photographer Simon Hulme 23rd March 2023Behind the Scenes of The Good Person Szechwan at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield. Actor Louise Mai Newberry is pictured doing her Make-up Picture taken by Yorkshire Post Photographer Simon Hulme 23rd March 2023
Behind the Scenes of The Good Person Szechwan at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield. Actor Louise Mai Newberry is pictured doing her Make-up Picture taken by Yorkshire Post Photographer Simon Hulme 23rd March 2023

Ms Segal is a playwright and TV writer. She is currently under commission to Soho Theatre, ETT, the Rose Theatre, the RSC and The Unicorn Theatre.

She has two script commissions with ITV Studios and is developing other TV projects in the UK.

Tickets for The Good Person of Szechwan are on sale now. Tickets can be booked through the Box Office in person, over the phone on 0114 249 6000 or at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk. It closes on Saturday.

Related topics:SheffieldTicketsSheffield Theatres