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 signi cant 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 rst 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.

Meg Mumford is a Senior Llecturer in Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of New South Wales, Australia.

Acknowledgements

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