Theater
The Suit
Based on The Suit by Can Themba, Mothobi Mutloatse, and
Barney Simon
Direction, adaptation, and music by Peter Brook, Marie-Hélène
Estienne, and Franck Krawczyk
The renowned Peter Brook—whose 1987 production of The
Mahabharata inaugurated the BAM Majestic Theater (now the BAM
Harvey Theater)—returns with a moving, music-filled adaptation of
South African writer Can Themba’s story The Suit.
A wife caught in the act, her lover fleeing the scene, his suit
left behind. It’s the perfect recipe for a husband’s punishing
decree: go on with business as usual, he says to his spouse, but
take the suit everywhere you go as a constant reminder of your
betrayal. Featuring an innovative staging that integrates musicians
directly into the action, Brook’s tender production—fresh from
sold-out runs in Paris and London—makes Themba’s tightly crafted
fable sing. A hummed “Strange Fruit,” African melodies, and
Schubert lieder thicken the air of this apartheid-era summer in
which a shared wound was not allowed to heal.
Scenic elements and costume design by Oria Puppo
Assistant director Rikki Henry
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Get to know director Peter Brook, learn more about Can Themba, and more in this curated selection of articles, videos, original blog pieces, and more related to The Suit.
with Peter Brook, Marie Hélène Estienne, and members of the company
Fri, Jan 18
This artist talk takes place in the performance venue and is free for same-day ticket holders.
Peter Brook is one of the most prolific directors in theater. His longstanding relationship with BAM dates back to the 1970s, when BAM presented his innovative rendering of A Midsummer Night's Dream with the Royal Shakespeare Company.