Play Details
Context
Artistic Director
George Devine
Dates Performed
Tuesday 11th September 1962
Main House (Downstairs)
Play Details
Synopsis
A theatrical collage spanning time and space, reflecting the life and work of one of the 20th century’s most influential playwrights.
Brecht on Brecht is a kaleidoscopic journey through the mind and writings of Bertolt Brecht. Assembled by George Tabori in 1963, this theatrical mosaic weaves together Brecht’s poems, play excerpts, and personal reflections to create a vivid portrait of the artist and his ideas.
The piece is a masterful exploration of Brechtian philosophy and theatrical innovation. Through carefully curated selections, audiences are immersed in Brecht’s world, encountering his biting social critique, anti-war sentiments, and revolutionary approach to theatre. The non-linear structure mirrors Brecht’s own epic theatre techniques, encouraging viewers to engage critically with the material rather than passively absorb it.
As the performance unfolds, key themes from Brecht’s work emerge: the struggle against fascism, the plight of the working class, and the power of art to effect social change. By presenting Brecht’s words in this collage format, Tabori creates a work that is simultaneously a biography, a political statement, and a celebration of theatrical possibilities.
Cast & Creative
Cast
George Devine
Cast
Barry Foster
Cast
Valerie Gearon
Cast
Lotte Lenya
Cast
Norman Rossington
Designer
Kurt Weill
Designer
Hans Eisler
Designer
Paul Dessau
Sound