Brecht and Tragedy: Radicalism, Traditionalism, Eristics

This book explores Brecht's complex relationship with Greek tragedy and tragic tradition, arguing that it is essential to understanding his radicalism. It includes a discussion of Sophocles' Antigone (1948) and other related works, as well as comparisons with Brecht's own plays. The book also features the first-ever publication of color photographs taken by Ruth Berlau. Brecht is positioned as a theatre artist of enormous range and creativity who has re-shaped and re-energized tragedy and carved paths for its continued artistic and political relevance.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 492 pages
\n Publication date: 16 December 2021
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
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This comprehensive, in-depth examination of Brecht's intricate connection with Greek tragedy and tragic tradition posits that it holds paramount significance in comprehending his radicalism. Spanning a wide range of topics, the monograph delves into an extensive analysis of Sophocles' The Antigone (1948), along with related works such as the Antigone Model Book and the Small Organon for the Theatre. Additionally, this publication features the inaugural publication of the complete set of color photographs taken by Ruth Berlau. This is complemented by comparative explorations of numerous plays by Brecht, as he experimented with tragedy conceptualized as the "big form." The significance of the Greek tragic tradition in relation to other formative influences on Brecht's work, including Asian theatre, Naturalism, comedy, Schiller, and Shakespeare, is explored. Brecht emerges as a theatrical artist of remarkable versatility and creativity, having successfully re-shaped and revitalized tragedy while carving pathways for its enduring artistic and political relevance.

\n Weight: 1014g\n
Dimension: 176 x 251 x 36 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781108489683\n
Edition number: New ed\n