University of Virginia Library

Truer Translation

The text which was used is a
truer translation of the original
than the more common version,
and even had to be toned down for
this production—for instance, a
female character "Peace" was
supposed to appear nude. That was
changed, but one line which wasn't,
never failed to break up the
audience: and old man and a leader
of the female troops are arguing;
the old man asks her if she has any
threats, so he can punch her. She
replies: "Any threats? Ha! Honey,
I'll crop your lungs and reap your
bowels, bite by bite; when I get
through with you, there ain't gonna
be no balls on your body for other
bitches to gnaw!" Compare that
with the other translation: I'll tear
the living guts out of you with my
teeth."

The lyrics for the songs were
written by cast members, and the
script underwent a great deal of
adaption. For example, the
choruses were almost entirely
omitted, with their roles being
assumed by the songs.

Men Whats the matter with
you all,

Fightin' up and killin' up
And then you want to ball.

As with many open-ended
productions, the players at first had
difficulties in coming together;
parts of the play were polished,
sharp, and funny, but they didn't
coalesce to from a complete whole.
As the week of presentation
advanced, though, the play
improved. Friday night, with a
responsive, largely-student
audience, it was wild, people were
going crazy with laughter, and at
the finale the cast went dancing
into the audience. The crew in the
light and sound booth was jumping
around and screaming, and the
audience was on its feet applauding,
many shouting, some dancing in the
aisles. Saturday night, although the
play was if anything better, the
crowd included many parents, who
did not display their emotions quite
so readily or openly.