Ordinarily, a brothel wouldn’t be considered a sanctuary, especially for women. But, as a civil war shreds the Congo into bloody tatters, Mama Nadi’s brothel looks downright cozy to those who seek refuge there. Such is the mixed-up world of Ruined, Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama. Partly inspired by the equally opportunistic Mother Courage, Mama Nadi keeps the peace between customers on both sides of the war, serving everything from cold beers to a warm touch. Shrewd and fierce, this memorable matriarch protects women who have been “ruined” by the brutality of the conflict … even as she profits from them. Eclipse Theatre Company kick-starts their 2014 Lynn Nottage-themed season with this remarkable work at the Athenaeum Theatre Studio Three.  LOTS of comp performances available through the end of May for the preview performances of Ruined (service fees for COMP tickets are $7.50, slightly less for paying customers).