Mother Courage and Her Children

Fiona Shaw takes the title role in a gripping new production of Bertolt Brecht's great anti-war play at London's National Theatre.

Mother Courage and Her Children at the National Theatre

Bertolt Brecht's celebrated play about a mother exploiting the same war that's destroying her children makes an eagerly anticipated return to the capital.

The new production brings together actress Fiona Shaw and director Deborah Warner, who previously worked together on Happy Days and Medea.

Vividly translated by Tony Kushner, the show features live music courtesy of Duke Special and his band.

About Mother Courage and Her Children

In Bertolt Brecht's acclaimed anti-war play, Mother Courage drags her cart across battlefields in search of sales and profit.

But the war she's trying to make a living from is the same war that's gradually destroying her children. The remarkable and much-debated part of Mother Courage is played by Fiona Shaw.

Fiona Shaw as Mother Courage

Fiona Shaw's theatrical work includes The Way of the World, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and Machinal, for which she won an Olivier Award.

Shaw is also known for her varied TV and film appearances, including roles in Jane Eyre, Gormenghast, and as Aunt Petunia in the Harry Potter films.

Director Deborah Warner's recent work includes Death in Venice (English National Opera), Julius Caesar (Barbican and world tour) and The Turn of the Screw (Royal Opera House).

Fiona Shaw and Deborah Warner have also worked on many award-winning productions together, including:

• Happy Days
• Richard II
• The Good Person of Sichuan
• The Powerbook
• Medea
• Electra
• Hedda Gabler
• The Waste Land