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"The Good Woman of Szechwan" - Bertolt Brecht's parable about atruism, morality and capitalism - will be presented Dec. 4-13 at Santa Monica College.

Brecht's play follows a young prostitute in Szechwan, China who struggles to lead a life that is "good." She opens a business, but her moderate success places her in jeopardy from her greedy fellow citizens, so she "invents" a male cousin who becomes a cold and stern protector of her interests.

The play, originally called "The Good Person of Szechwan," explores contemporary morality and altruism in social and economic terms, particularly in the context of capitalism.

The Theatre Arts Department production is in the SMC Theatre Arts Main Stage on the main campus, 1900 Pico Blvd. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. An additional 2 p.m. matinee is added for Saturday, Dec. 12. A preview is scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3.

Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 for students and senior citizens, and $10 for SMC students and employees with I.D. Tickets for the preview are $8. A $1-per-ticket service charge is added.

Call (310) 434-4319 or go to www.smc.edu/eventsinfo. Parking is free on Friday evenings and weekends.