The Distinctive Works of Bertolt Brecht: Good Person Of Szechwan, The Resistible Rise Of Arturo Ui, Mr Puntila And His Man

German playwright Bertolt Brecht was known for creating thought-provoking and socially conscious dramas that challenged and questioned existing power structures. Three of his most acclaimed works are "Good Person Of Szechwan," "The Resistible Rise Of Arturo Ui," and "Mr Puntila And His Man Matti." These plays tackled themes such as morality, corruption, human nature, and the struggle for power, using Brecht's signature Theatre of Alienation techniques to create an engaging and transformative theatrical experience.

1. "Good Person Of Szechwan"

"Good Person Of Szechwan" tells the story of Shen Te, a kind-hearted prostitute who struggles to maintain her moral integrity in a world filled with hypocrisy and greed. When she receives a financial reward for her selflessness, she constructs a male alter ego, Shui Ta, to better navigate the harsh realities of life. Through this play, Brecht examines the complexities of being a good person in a corrupt society, questioning whether genuine altruism is truly sustainable.

Alt Attribute: alt="Good Person Of Szechwan: The Complexities of Morality and Altruism"

Brecht Collected Plays: 6: Good Person of Szechwan; The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui; Mr Puntila and his Man Matti (World Classics)

by Lenny Löwenstern(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3526 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	574 pages
Item Weight	:	3.2 ounces
Paperback	:	28 pages
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.07 x 11 inches

FREE

2. "The Resistible Rise Of Arturo Ui"

"The Resistible Rise Of Arturo Ui" is a political allegory inspired by the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. Brecht uses the character of Arturo Ui, a small-time Chicago gangster, to depict the dangers of unchecked ambition and the manipulation of power. The play serves as a warning against the rise of dictators and the complacency of society in the face of corruption.

Alt Attribute: alt="The Resistible Rise Of Arturo Ui: Unmasking the Dangers of Ambition and Corruption"

3. "Mr Puntila And His Man Matti"

In "Mr Puntila And His Man Matti," Brecht explores the complex relationship between social classes by contrasting the wealthy alcoholic landowner, Mr Puntila, and his loyal chauffeur, Matti. The play humorously exposes the contradictions and absurdities of the upper-class, highlighting the impact of wealth and privilege on individual morality. Through this work, Brecht challenges the audience to question societal hierarchies and the true nature of power.

Alt Attribute: alt="Mr Puntila And His Man Matti: Exploring Social Class and Individual Morality with Witty Satire"

Brecht's Signature Style: Theatre of Alienation

Brecht developed the concept of Theatre of Alienation, also known as Epic Theatre, as a means to disrupt the audience's passive involvement in the performance and encourage critical thinking. This theatrical technique aims to distance the audience emotionally from the characters and events on stage, creating a Brechtian effect that allows for reflection and analysis of the social and political issues presented in the play.

Brecht achieved this effect by incorporating various techniques, including the use of minimalistic sets, breaking the fourth wall, narrators who address the audience directly, and songs that comment on the action. By applying these techniques, Brecht aimed to dismantle the traditional theatrical illusion, creating a more active engagement with the performance, and fostering a greater awareness of social and political issues.

The works of Bertolt Brecht, including "Good Person Of Szechwan," "The Resistible Rise Of Arturo Ui," and "Mr Puntila And His Man Matti," continue to captivate audiences today with their thought-provoking messages and unique theatrical techniques. Brecht's exploration of morality, power, corruption, and class struggles remain relevant, urging us to reflect on our own society and the choices we make. Through his masterpieces, Brecht challenges us to be critical thinkers and advocates for change, inspiring us to strive for a more just and compassionate world.

Brecht Collected Plays: 6: Good Person of Szechwan; The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui; Mr Puntila and his Man Matti (World Classics)

by Lenny Löwenstern(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3526 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	574 pages
Item Weight	:	3.2 ounces
Paperback	:	28 pages
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.07 x 11 inches

FREE

Published by Methuen Drama, the collected dramatic works of Bertolt Brecht are presented in the most comprehensive and authoritative editions of Brecht's plays in the English language.

This sixth volume of Brecht's Collected Plays contains three plays he wrote while in exile during the early stages of the Second World War. In Brecht's famous parable The Good Person of Szechwan, the gods come to earth in search of a thoroughly good person. No
one can be found until they meet Shen Te, a prostitute with a heart of
gold. Rewarded by the gods, she gives up her profession and buys a
tabacco shop but finds it is impossible to survive as a good person in
a corrupt world without the support of her ruthless alter ego Shui Ta.

The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui is a savage satire on the rise of Hitler, wittily transposed to gangland Chicago. Brecht's compelling parable continues to have relevance wherever totalitarianism appears today. Written in 1940 during Brecht's exile in Finland, Puntila is one of his
greatest creations, to be ranked alongside Galileo and Mother Courage.
A hard-drinking Finnish landowner, Puntila suffers from a divided
personality: when drunk he is human and humane; when sober, surly and
self-centred. The play contains some of the best comedy Brecht wrote
for the theatre.

The translations are ideal for both study and performance. The volume is accompanied by a full and notes by the series editor John Willett and includes Brecht's own notes and relevant texts as well as all the important textual variants.