TP11320 Week 3: Epic Theatre
Seminar questions:
In pairs or groups of three work through the seminar questions and prepare to present your findings to the group (30mins).
- 1. Identify and explain the key characteristics of Brecht's Epic Theatre
- 2. Identify Brecht's view on the spectator. How does the Epic Theatre aim to encourage a critical mode of spectating in the theatre?
- 3. Explain Brecht's Verfremdungseffekt by drawing on examples from Mother Courage and Her Children.
- 4. What are political and social issues raised in Mother Courage?
- 5.What is Gestus, and can you find an example thereof in the play?
Recommended further reading:
- Brecht, Bertholt (2003) Brecht on Art and Politics, London: Methuen
- Jameson, Fredric (2000) Brecht and Method, London / New York: Verso
- Leach, Robert (2004) Makers of Modern Theatre: An Introduction, London: Routledge
- Martin, Carol (2000) Brecht Sourcebook, London / New York: Routledge
- Reinelt, Janelle (1996) After Brecht: British Epic Theatre, Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press
- Thomson, Peter and Sacks, Glendyr (2006) The Cambridge Companion to Brecht, 2nd ed., Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
- Willett, John (1993) Bertholt Brecht Journals, London: Methuen
Outline of session:
- Discussion of seminar questions
- Study Skills: good research
Study Skills: Good Research
In pairs or groups of three, draw up resource lists for your essay. Discuss the following (30mins):
1. What motivates your resource choices?
2. What key words do you use in your search for resources?
3. How did you determine the quality of your sources?