Definition

Proper noun: - A German dramatist and poet: Bertolt Brecht was a highly influential 20th-century German playwright, poet, and theatre director. He is best known for developing the theory and practice of "epic theatre" (or "dialectical theatre"), which aimed to provoke rational thought and social criticism in the audience rather than emotional identification.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The students studied the dramatic techniques of Bertolt Brecht.
  • "Mother Courage and Her Children" is a famous play by Bertolt Brecht.
  • Bertolt Brecht's theories continue to influence modern political theatre.

Advanced Usage

• "Brechtian" (adj): Relating to or characteristic of the dramatic theory and practice of Bertolt Brecht.
  • The director used Brechtian techniques, such as direct address and placards, to create a sense of alienation.
• "Epic theatre": The style of theatre pioneered by Brecht, emphasizing narrative, direct commentary, and a critical perspective.
  • Bertolt Brecht's epic theatre sought to break the illusion of reality on stage.

Variants and Related Words

• Brechtian (adjective): Pertaining to the style or ideas of Bertolt Brecht.

Synonyms

• Playwright, dramatist, theorist, poet.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Alienation effect (Verfremdungseffekt): A key technique in Brechtian theatre designed to prevent the audience from becoming emotionally absorbed, instead encouraging critical distance.
  • Bertolt Brecht employed the alienation effect to make familiar things seem strange.
• Didactic theatre: Theatre intended to instruct, a goal central to much of Brecht's work.
  • Bertolt Brecht wrote several Lehrstücke, or learning-plays, as part of his didactic theatre.

Noun

1. German dramatist and poet who developed a style of epic theater (1898-1956)