In the Jungle of Cities

The masterpiece of Brecht's early period is a poetic meditation on the ideals and harsh realities of the American Dream. Set in the bars and flophouses of a warped Brechtian Chicago, In the Jungle of Cities tells the story of "an inexplicable wrestling match between two men" who live only to destroy each other. The visionary director Robert Woodruff explores the rich subtexts and jazz rhythms of this epic work of fantasy, to be performed in an outstanding new translation by Paul Schmidt.

SYNOPSIS

Set in a corrupt 1920s Chicago, Brecht's In the Jungle of Cities  features a ferocious battle between two men. One day, a Maylay named C. Shlink appears in the mundane life of bookstore clerk George Garga, and for no reason challenges him to a fight. Garga, whom Shlink attempts to destroy economically, fights back, refusing to be conquored by a foreigner. In order to put himself on equal economic terms with his enemy, Shlink gives up his fortune. Mary, Garga's sister, falls in love with the newly impoverished Shlink. Enraged by the affair, Garga plots his revenge against Shlink, and the two engage in a fight that ultimately leads to one man's death.