Brecht on Shakespeare: a revaluation

Article Abstract:

The common scholarly opinion that William Shakespeare was the target of Bertolt Brecht's sharpest criticism is misguided. Brecht saw Shakespeare as a model for the creation of a dialectical and an epic theater. His ambivalence towards Shakespeare was only a pose and strategy to bring about change by engaging the imagination and creative criticism. In his writing on the history of drama Brecht pits Aristotelian dramaturgy against Shakespearean dramaturgy. Students of Brechtian drama can find a number of examples of Shakespearean resonance.

Shakespeare, William

---

Warren Hastings in the drama of Lion Feuchtwanger and Bertolt Brecht: contexts and connections

Article Abstract:

Lion Feuchtwanger's play 'Warren Hastings, Gouverneur von Indien,' was rewritten by Feuchtwanger and his younger friend Bertolt Brecht into 'Kalkutta, 4.Mai.' The original version of the play emphasized the difficulty of a prominent man experiencing conflict between private pacifism and public duty. The later version explored the socio-economic advantages of sacrificing some individuals for long-term benefit. Brecht and Feuchtwanger considered Hastings a benevolent dictator.

Portrayals, Colonial administrators, German drama, Feuchtwanger, Lion, Hastings, Warren

---

'Hamlet' and 'The Life of Galileo.'

Article Abstract:

Berthold Brecht's adaptation of William Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' for German radio significantly influenced his 'Life of Galileo.' The 'Hamlet' production aired in 1931, and 'Galileo' was written in 1939. While Hamlet felt the power of his reasoning was more important than civil authority, Galileo's astronomical discoveries challenged the church's authority. Both men were criminals as well as heroes.

Influence, Hamlet (Play), Radio adaptations, Life of Galileo (Play)

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Internet content regulations' reliance on 'community standards' is not practical. Link from city government web site cannot be denied based on viewpoint
• Abstracts: FOI faces challenge in frightened nation. Disclosure challenges arise in agency files. Reporters, lawyers and protective orders
• Abstracts: Senators want study of UAVs patrolling homeland. Homeland security officials tout UAVs. Global Hawk scouts ahead for other UAVs
• Abstracts: Sunshine Week highlights need for yearlong vigilance at state and federal levels. More daunting tests ahead pitting 'right to know' against 'need to know'
• Abstracts: Judge's failure to justify sealing jury information with hearing and factual findings leads to reversal. Newspaper loses appeal of order barring press from courtroom

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.