Carmen Monroe returns to the stage after a 12 year absence as one of Brecht's greatest characters- Mother Courage. In a startling new translation by Nigerian-born playwright Olapido Agboluaje, Brecht's  most extraordinary character is placed in a contemporary African setting where she strives to keep her business and children alive by selling food and clothing to soldiers.

This new adaptation from Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Company was commissioned especially for Eclipse Theatre. Eclipse Theatre was founded in 2002 to raise the national profile of black middle-scale regional theatre in the UK. Mother Courage is the second Eclipse production after the successful Moon on a Rainbow Shawl in 2003.                                           

Carmen Monroe is a familiar face appearing on British television for many years with credits including the series Mixed Blessings, three years as Sister Washington in General Hospital and six years as Shirley in Desmonds. Stage appearances include Raisin in the Sun (Tricycle Theatre), Amen Corner (Lyric Theatre) and Cain for the RSC.

Mother Courage and Her Children is directed by Josette Bushell-Mingo, one of the country's most exciting young directors. Her recent productions include the acclaimed Simply Heavenly at the Young Vic. As an actress she is best known for creating the role of Rafiki in the original London cast of The Lion King, for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award.