Bertolt Brecht Epic Theatre
Bertolt Brecht Key Elements of his WorkSalvatore SorceSalvatore
Sorce1
AgendaGround RulesAims of the sessionLearning outcomesWhat do
you knowKey elements of Brechtian theatreAn example in film
todaySummarySalvatore Sorce2
AimsTo develop understanding of Brecht and the key elements of
Brechtian theatre.
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Learning outcomesCompare differences with Brechtian Epic and
Stanislaski Naturalism theatre stylesIdentify key elements of
Brechtian theatreExplore the importance/relevance to theatre
today
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What do you know?Question:What are the main differences between
Stanislavski and Brecht theatre practices?
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Dramatic vs Epic TheatreDramatic TheatrePlotOne scene after
anotherInvolve the spectator in a stage situation
Epic TheatreNarrativeEach scene for itselfTurn the spectator
into an observerSalvatore Sorce6
Key ElementsActivity:Flipchart and present to the class your
thoughts on the following words:Breaking the fourth
wallGestureMoralityNarration and song1 min for writing 1 min for
presentingSalvatore Sorce7
Key elementsBreaking the fourth wallActors directly address the
audienceGestusPresentation of an emotion though
gestureDidacticismTeaching of a moral lesson
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Key elementsNarration and songAdds commentary on/or narrates the
storyActing techniquesMultiroling characters,
Exaggerated/repetitive actionsAlienation Technique
(Verfrumdungesffekt)Audience questions character Use of lighting
and sound
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Example in film todaySalvatore Sorce10Play Rabbit Hole DVD
Relevance in todays theatreQuestion:What effect do you think
this provokes with a modern audience?Why would you stage a play in
this style?
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SummaryEpic vs Naturalism give examplesName key elements of
Brechtian theatreWhy do you think it is important today?
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Further readingPlaysMother Courage and Her ChildrenThe Good
Person of SzechwanThe Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui The Caucasian
Chalk
CircleOnlinehttp://www.usq.edu.au/artsworx/schoolresources/mothercourage/Brechtian%20Techniqueshttp://www.usq.edu.au/artsworx/schoolresources/goodwomanofszechwan/epictheatre
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Learning outcomesCompare differences with Brechtian Epic and
Stanislaski Naturalism theatre stylesIdentify key elements of
Brechtian theatreExplore the importance/relevance to theatre
today.
Salvatore Sorce14
Bertolt Brecht Epic Theatre
Salvatore SorceSalvatore Sorce15
