A Conversation with Charles Randolph-Wright
From: National Endowment for the Arts
Series: Art Works Podcast
Length: 29:38
The 2009 Pulitzer Prize play "Ruined" tells the story of Mama Nadi and her establishment. Lynn Nottage loosely based it on Bertolt Brecht's "Mother Courage, and her Children" but moved the action to the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo. "Ruined" is a powerful play that looks unflinchingly at the violence women endure during war. But there's poetry among the brutality and moments of humor and joy are presented along with the fear and the sorrow.
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Related Pieces
Piece Description
The 2009 Pulitzer Prize play "Ruined" tells the story of Mama Nadi and her establishment. Lynn Nottage loosely based it on Bertolt Brecht's "Mother Courage, and her Children" but moved the action to the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo. "Ruined" is a powerful play that looks unflinchingly at the violence women endure during war. But there's poetry among the brutality and moments of humor and joy are presented along with the fear and the sorrow.
Transcript
Transcript of conversation with Charles Randolph-Wright
Excerpt from the play, "Ruined"
Mama Nadi: How old are you?
Sophie: 18
Mama Nadi: Do you have a beau?
Sophie: No.
Mama Nadi: Are you a student?
Sophie: Yes, I was to sit for the University exam.
Mama Nadi: I bet you are g ood at your studies. Am I right?
Sophie: Yes.
Mama Nadi: A petty bureaucratic ... Did they hurt you badly?
Sophie: Yes.
Mama Nadi: I bet they did. Do you know what kind of place this is?
Sophie: Yes Mama, I think so.
Mama Nadi: Good. Then we have no problems. I expect my girls to be well-behaved and clean. That's all. I provide a bed, food and clothing. If things are good, everyone gets a little. If things are bad then Mama eats first. Am I making myself clear? Good.
Jo Reed: That was Jenny Jules as Mama Nadi and Rachael Holmes as Sophie in Arena Stage's current production of Lynn Nottage's play, "R...
Read the full transcript
Additional Credits
Excerpts from "Ruined," used courtesy of Arena Stage. Special thanks to actors Jenny Jules, Rachael Holmes, and Lawrence Redmond. As well as musicians Mongezi Chris Ntaka, Waldo Robertson, David Foreman and Daniel Ssuna. As well as sound designer Lindsay Jones.
Interview conducted and edited by Jo Reed.
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