This document discusses key elements of Bertolt Brecht's Epic Theatre style. It compares Brecht's Epic Theatre to Stanislavski's Naturalism, noting Epic Theatre uses narrative, each scene standing alone to turn the spectator into an observer. The key elements of Brechtian theatre identified are breaking the fourth wall, gestus, didacticism, narration and song, acting techniques like multi-roling and alienation effect. The document explores using Brechtian techniques in a modern film example and why his style remains relevant in today's theatre. Learning outcomes include comparing Epic and Naturalism styles, identifying Brechtian elements, and exploring its importance.

1. Bertolt Brecht
Key Elements of his Work
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2. Agenda
• Ground Rules
• Aims of the session
• Learning outcomes
• What do you know
• Key elements of Brechtian theatre
• An example in film today
• Summary
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3. Aims
• To develop understanding of Brecht and the key elements of
Brechtian theatre.
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4. Learning outcomes
• Compare differences with Brechtian Epic and Stanislaski
Naturalism theatre styles
• Identify key elements of Brechtian theatre
• Explore the importance/relevance to theatre today
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5. What do you know?
Question:
What are the main differences between Stanislavski and Brecht
theatre practices?
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6. Dramatic vs Epic Theatre
Dramatic Theatre Epic Theatre
• Plot • Narrative
• One scene after another • Each scene for itself
• Involve the spectator in a • Turn the spectator into an
stage situation observer
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7. Key Elements
Activity:
Flipchart and present to the class your thoughts
on the following words:
Breaking the fourth wall
Gesture
Morality
Narration and song
1 min for writing – 1 min for presenting
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8. Key elements
Breaking the fourth wall
Actors directly address the
audience
Gestus
Presentation of an emotion
though gesture
Didacticism
Teaching of a moral lesson
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9. Key elements
Narration and song
Adds commentary on/or
narrates the story
Acting techniques
Multi–roling characters,
Exaggerated/repetitive
actions
Alienation Technique
(Verfrumdungesffekt)
Audience questions character
Use of lighting and sound
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10. Example in film today
Play ‘Rabbit Hole’ DVD
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11. Relevance in today’s theatre
Question:
• What effect do you think this provokes
with a modern audience?
• Why would you stage a play in this
style?
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12. Summary
• Epic vs Naturalism – give examples
• Name key elements of Brechtian theatre
• Why do you think it is important today?
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13. Further reading
Plays
• Mother Courage and Her Children
• The Good Person of Szechwan
• The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui
• The Caucasian Chalk Circle
Online
• http://www.usq.edu.au/artsworx/schoolresources/motherco
urage/Brechtian%20Techniques
• http://www.usq.edu.au/artsworx/schoolresources/goodwom
anofszechwan/epictheatre
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14. Learning outcomes
• Compare differences with Brechtian Epic and Stanislaski
Naturalism theatre styles
• Identify key elements of Brechtian theatre
• Explore the importance/relevance to theatre today.
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15. Bertolt Brecht Epic Theatre
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