The persistence of Brecht: on the centennial of his birth, a new wave of American productions tests Brecht's relevance in the '90s. (dramatist Bertolt Brecht)

From: American Theatre | Date: May 1, 1998| Author: | Copyright information

One wonders how dramatist Bertolt Brecht would react if he were alive in the 1990s. Capitalism, which the playwright criticized, has flourished, while the ideologies Brecht espoused have been left behind by history. Thus, the relevance of the dramatist's work in contemporary theater has been questioned and it is not known whether audiences will respond to his plays, as producers, directors and thespians across the nation prepare a wave of productions to celebrate the 100th year of Bertolt Brecht's birth.

The homeless couple sits on a Manhattan sidewalk near Times square, a cardboard plea ...

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