Full Description
Bertolt Brecht's methods of collective experimentation, and his unique framing of the theatrical event as a forum for change, placed him among the most important contributors to the theory and practice of theatre. His work continues to have a significant impact on performance practitioners, critics and teachers alike. Now revised and reissued, this book combines:
an overview of the key periods in Brecht's life and work
a clear explanation of his key theories, including the renowned ideas of Gestus and Verfremdung
an account of his groundbreaking 1954 production of The Caucasian Chalk Circle
an in-depth analysis of his practical exercises and rehearsal methods.
As a first step towards critical understanding, and as an initial exploration before going on to further, primary research, Routledge Performance Practitioners are an invaluable resource for students and scholars.
Contents
1. A LIFE OF FLUX Which Brecht? On the make: from Bavaria to Berlin (1898-1924) Changing the world: Weimar politics (1924-33) On the run: exile in Europe and America (1933-47) Building a collective: Brecht in the GDR (1947-56) Brecht today? 2. BRECHT'S KEY THEORIES Brecht in dialogue Brecht's key concerns Getting the gist of Gestus Verfremdung and V-effects Historicization: questioning the present through the past The modern theatre is the epic theatre Dialectics in the theatre Brecht's socialist realism: imitation meets experimentation Conclusion 3. THE CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE: A MODEL PRODUCTION Prologue: a model A historicizing epic A Berliner Ensemble show Epilogue: 'The proof of the pudding is in the eating' 4. PRACTICAL EXERCISES AND WORKSHOP Preparing for spectActorship Section One: remembering exercises from the past Section Two: a workshop for Brechtians Conclusion
