Brecht and Tragedy: Radicalism, Traditionalism, Eristics

Brecht's complex relationship with Greek tragedy and tragic tradition is explored in this study, featuring extensive discussion of The Antigone of Sophocles (1948) and related works. It includes the first-ever publication of color photographs taken by Ruth Berlau and comparatist explorations of his plays. Brecht emerges as a theatre artist of enormous range and creativity, re-shaping and re-energizing tragedy and carving paths for its continued artistic and political relevance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 492 pages
Publication date: 11 August 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This comprehensive and detailed study of Brecht's intricate relationship with Greek tragedy and tragic tradition contends that it is essential for comprehending his radicalism. It includes an extensive discussion of The Antigone of Sophocles (1948) and related works, such as the Antigone model book and the Small Organon for the Theatre. Additionally, it features the first-ever publication of the complete set of color photographs taken by Ruth Berlau, accompanied by comparatist explorations of many of Brecht's own plays as he experimented with tragedy as a "big form." The significance of the Greek tragic tradition for Brecht is placed in relation to other influential factors on his work, including Asian theater, Naturalism, comedy, Schiller, and Shakespeare. Brecht emerges as a remarkably versatile and creative theater artist who has successfully reshaped and revitalized tragedy, ensuring its continued artistic and political relevance.

Weight: 838g
Dimension: 169 x 243 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108747455