The Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, under the able direction of Ron Sossi (who gave up a successful career in television to pursue his theatrical dreams), first presented A Man's A Man in 1969 in protest of the Vietnam War. Mr. Sossi states, “Now it seems timely to present it again.”

A Man's A Man tells the story of Galy Gay (the wonderfully talented Beth Hogan, here assaying this typically male role), a simple man out shopping who, by the trickery of some soldiers, is turned into a soldier and eventually a killing machine. The play is Brecht’s ode to the inhumanity of man; using this Chaplinesque character, he shows how man, inside, is ever a monster. By having Ms. Hogan play the role, Sossi not only utilizes a great actress but also underlines the character's simple vulnerability. Ms. Hogan does an admirable job of conveying this human transformation.

The cast consists of several members of the Odyssey’s "Koan" group, a set of actors who get together yearly to explore a piece of literature and find new and interesting ways to put it onstage. Included in this group is Alan Abelew, who plays Wang and provides much of the needed humor in the piece. Diana Cignoni plays the Widow Begbick, the owner of a traveling brothel and bar. Brad C. Light, who appeared in Sossi’s staging of Threepenny Opera, plays Polly, one of the three soldiers who trick Galy into the army.

All the performers are able and throw themselves with great commitment into the work at hand. They also include Christopher Basile, Sarah Demeestere, Douglas Dennard, Julia Devine, Kelley Goode, Austin Herbert, Will Kepper, Eric Losoya, Ochuwa Oghie, Derf Reklow, Nina Sallinen, Tyler Thomas, and Cary Thompson. Michelle Toy provides original music. The sets are by Janne Larson and the costumes by Elizabeth Hoffman.

As an ensemble and under the inventive direction of Sossi, the group presents a gripping theatrical event. A Man's A Man may not be the shocking piece of agitprop it once was, but it still makes for an interesting and engaging evening.