Brecht

“First comes food and then morals” … said BB (Bert Brecht) – here his statue in Berlin at Schiffbauer Damm.

Bertolt Brecht

Der Blumengarten

Am See tief zwischen Tann und Silberpappel
Beschirmt von Mauer und Gesträuch ein Garten
So weise angelegt mit monatlichen Blumen
Daß er vom März bis zum Oktober blüht.

Hier in der Früh, nicht allzu häufig, sitz ich
Und wünsche mir, auch ich mög allezeit
In den verschiednen Wettern, guten, schlechten
Dies oder jenes Angenehme zeigen.

Why BB or Bert Brecht is still alive and relevant today and more …

One of the most interesting and fascinating authors Germany has ever had since Thomas MANN and J W GOETHE… I would guess!

Why do we live or what is life about or other similar questions have haunted many people over the last few thousands of years if they had the time to reflect at all!
My questions would be phrased differently: Are you alive or even better: Why are you still alive …or do you still feel alive?

Indeed, an existential question I would not dare to answer, however, if interested pls follow my BLOG here – which might inspire you to phrase YOUR OWN QUESTIONS and find your own answers to these questions …

Interested now? Good on you … more to come soon 🙂

yours

phb

B B on my BLOG

Fruehe Tagebuecher BB

B Brecht bei Perlentaucher.de 

Stephen Parker – Eine Biographie

Brecht Archiv – Video
Erdmut Wizisla, Leiter Bertolt-Brecht-Archiv, über Bertolt Brecht

Akademie der Kuenste – Denken in Extremen

Gefoerdert u.a. von der FRIES – Gruppe

Brechts neuer Dreigroschenfilm – Mackie Messer

Diverse Medienbeitraege  SUHRKAMP / INSEL # How to Brecht today

Der Autor Bert Brecht bei SUHRKAMP / INSEL

ZEIT Lernplattform SCHULE – Kafka und mehr …

ARTE TV – Wir haben Brecht

Die fruehen Opern wie Dreigroschenoper

Poetry and Politics – p. 31 | HME

Ich sitze am Strassenhang.

Der Fahrer wechselt das Rad.

Ich bin nicht gern, wo ich herkomme.

Ich bin nicht gern, wo ich hinfahre.

Warum sehe ich den Radwechsel

Mit Ungeduld? 

(I sit by the roadside. The driver changes the wheel. I don’t like where I came from. I don’t like where I’m going. Why am I impatient as I watch him change the wheel?)

A political poem? The mere question shows how little is to be gained by the use of that category. A wheel is being changed—six lines in which neither the Fatherland nor any other regime is mentioned, six lines before which the zeal of the ideological carpers falters. They too regard “Der Radwechsel”’ with impatience, because they cannot use the poem for their purposes. It says nothing to them, because it says too much. It was written in the summer of 1953. A political poem or not? This is a verbal quibble. If politics means taking part in the social conditions that men create for themselves in history, then “Der Radwechsel,” like every poem worthy of the name, is political in essence. If politics means the use of power for the purposes of those who wield it, then Brecht’s lines, in common with poetry of any kind, have nothing to do with it. The poem expresses in an exemplary way the fact that it is not at the disposal of politics: this is its political content.

In Memory of Hans Magnus Enzensberger, who died in Munich 93 years of age …

Certainly! Here’s an essay on Bertolt Brecht’s connection to the tradition of Bänkelsingen and Fahrende Sänger, and how it relates to modern folk singers like Hannes Wader:

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Bertolt Brecht: Echoes of Bänkelsingen and Wandering Singers

Introduction

Bertolt Brecht, one of the most influential figures in modern theater, is renowned for his development of Epic Theatre and the Alienation Effect. However, Brecht’s work is also deeply rooted in the rich tradition of Bänkelsingen (bench singing) and Fahrende Sänger (wandering singers). These traditions of German folk music have not only shaped Brecht’s artistic approach but also continue to resonate in the works of contemporary artists like Hannes Wader. This essay explores the connections between Brecht, Bänkelsingen, and the legacy of wandering singers, highlighting the enduring influence of these traditions.

Bänkelsingen and Fahrende Sänger

Bänkelsingen, a form of German folk music, involves singers performing narrative songs from a bench in public spaces. These songs often dealt with moral stories, social issues, and everyday life, serving both as entertainment and a form of social commentary. Fahrende Sänger, or wandering singers, were itinerant musicians who traveled from town to town, sharing news, stories, and songs. Their performances were characterized by their direct engagement with the audience and their focus on current events and societal critiques.

Brecht’s Connection to Bänkelsingen

Brecht was profoundly influenced by these folk traditions. He admired the simplicity and directness of Bänkelsingen, and he incorporated its elements into his own work. Brecht’s plays often featured songs that broke the fourth wall, directly addressing the audience and commenting on the action. This approach was designed to engage the audience critically, in line with the didactic nature of Bänkelsingen.

For example, in Brecht’s play “The Threepenny Opera,” the character of the Street Singer introduces the story with a ballad that sets the tone and provides social commentary. This technique draws the audience into the narrative while simultaneously encouraging them to reflect on the underlying social issues. Brecht’s use of songs as a narrative tool and a means of direct communication with the audience echoes the traditions of Bänkelsingen and Fahrende Sänger.

Hannes Wader and the Legacy of Wandering Singers

Hannes Wader, a prominent figure in contemporary German folk music, embodies the spirit of the wandering singer. His songs often address political and social themes, much like the traditional Bänkelsänger. Wader’s music reflects a deep commitment to social justice and a keen awareness of historical and contemporary issues.

Wader’s performances are marked by their storytelling quality and their ability to connect with the audience on a personal level. His songs, like those of the Bänkelsänger and Brecht, serve as both entertainment and social critique. Wader’s ability to weave together personal narratives and broader social commentary demonstrates the enduring power of the traditions that influenced Brecht.

Conclusion

Bertolt Brecht’s work stands at the intersection of modern theater and traditional folk music. His connection to the traditions of Bänkelsingen and Fahrende Sänger is evident in his use of songs as a tool for social commentary and audience engagement. Contemporary artists like Hannes Wader continue to carry forward these traditions, using music as a means of storytelling and social critique. The legacy of Bänkelsingen and wandering singers remains a vital force in the arts, reminding us of the power of music and performance to reflect and shape society.

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More about the connections between Brecht, traditional German folk music, and modern artists like Hannes Wader and European Ballads and Irish Folk plus French singers here soon.

Peter Hanns Bloecker

Linked

“Mother Courage and Her Children” by Bertolt Brecht is a play set during the Thirty Years’ War in Europe. It follows the protagonist, Mother Courage, who attempts to profit from the war by running a canteen wagon and selling goods to soldiers. The story highlights the devastating effects of war on individuals and families, as Mother Courage loses all three of her children to the conflict.

Key Themes

1. War and Profit: The play criticizes the idea of profiteering from war, showing how Mother Courage’s attempts to make money ultimately lead to personal tragedy.
2. Human Cost of War: Brecht emphasizes the suffering and loss experienced by ordinary people during wartime.
3. Hypocrisy and Survival: The play portrays the moral ambiguities and compromises people make to survive in harsh conditions.

Implications About Wars Today

• War Profiteering: The play’s critique of making profits from war remains relevant, as modern conflicts often involve complex economic interests and industries benefiting from warfare.
• Humanitarian Impact: The suffering of civilians in Brecht’s play resonates with current global conflicts, where innocent lives are frequently affected.
• Moral Ambiguity: The dilemmas faced by characters in the play mirror the difficult ethical choices and compromises faced by those involved in or affected by contemporary wars.

By examining the consequences of Mother Courage’s actions, Brecht’s play encourages audiences to think critically about the true costs of war, both financially and morally, urging a deeper reflection on current global conflicts.

Brecht always would ask first

Cui Bono

The Caucasian Chalk Circle

“The Caucasian Chalk Circle” is a play by Bertolt Brecht that draws on an ancient Chinese play and the biblical story of King Solomon. Set in the Caucasus Mountains, it tells the story of a servant girl named Grusha who rescues an abandoned child, Michael, during a civil war, and the subsequent legal battle over his custody.

Key Themes

1. Justice and Injustice: The play explores the idea of true justice through the trial overseen by the judge, Azdak, who is unorthodox but ultimately fair.
2. Parental Love: The biological mother versus the caretaker scenario highlights the idea that real parenthood is about who cares for and nurtures the child, not just biological ties.
3. Class Struggle: Brecht critiques the class system, showing how the wealthy and powerful often disregard the needs of the poor.

Implications About Wars Today

• Displacement and Refugees: The chaos of war depicted in the play mirrors the displacement and struggles faced by refugees in current global conflicts.
• Custody and Care: The debate over who is fit to care for children in war-torn regions remains relevant, highlighting the responsibilities of those in power to protect the vulnerable.
• Judicial Fairness: Azdak’s role underscores the importance of fair and just legal systems, especially in times of turmoil, reflecting contemporary calls for judicial reform and accountability in war zones.

By examining themes of justice, parenthood, and social inequality, “The Caucasian Chalk Circle” offers a critical lens through which to view modern conflicts, emphasizing the need for compassion and fairness in the face of adversity.

The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui

“The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui” is a satirical play by Bertolt Brecht that allegorizes the rise of Adolf Hitler in Germany, using the character of Arturo Ui, a small-time gangster, to represent Hitler. The play is set in 1930s Chicago and parallels historical events to show the manipulation and corruption that led to Hitler’s power.

Key Themes

1. Corruption and Power: The play illustrates how corrupt individuals and their pursuit of power can lead to widespread manipulation and control.
2. Complacency and Complicity: Brecht critiques the society that allows such figures to rise by being complacent or complicit in their actions.
3. Theatrical Satire: Using satire, Brecht exposes the absurdity and dangers of totalitarian regimes, encouraging the audience to remain vigilant and critical.

Implications About Wars Today

• Authoritarianism and Dictatorship: The play’s portrayal of Arturo Ui’s rise to power serves as a warning about the dangers of authoritarianism and dictatorship, which are still relevant in today’s political climate.
• Political Manipulation: It highlights how leaders can manipulate public opinion and exploit vulnerabilities, a tactic seen in modern conflicts and political scenarios.
• Social Responsibility: The play underscores the importance of active and informed citizenry in preventing the rise of tyrants and ensuring democratic values are upheld.

By examining the rise of Arturo Ui, Brecht encourages audiences to think critically about leadership, power, and the importance of resisting authoritarian tendencies. His message remains pertinent in the context of contemporary global politics and conflicts.

The Threepenny Opera is set in Victorian London, and this setting plays a crucial role in the atmosphere and themes of the play.

Setting

The gritty and corrupt world of Victorian London provides the perfect backdrop for the story, highlighting the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty, morality and criminality. The urban landscape, with its alleys, docks, and seedy establishments, reflects the harsh realities faced by the characters.

Key Locations

• The Streets: Much of the play unfolds in the streets of London, where beggars and thieves navigate their lives amidst the bustling city life.
• Peachum’s Beggars’ Emporium: Jonathan Peachum’s business, where he trains and manages beggars, symbolizes exploitation and the commercialization of poverty.
• The Stable: The place where Polly and Macheath get married, representing a temporary escape from the chaos and danger of the streets.
• The Prison: The scenes in the prison underline the corrupt justice system and Macheath’s constant struggle to avoid the gallows.

By setting “The Threepenny Opera” in London, Brecht not only grounds the story in a recognizable and vivid environment but also uses this setting to sharpen his social and political critique. The stark realities of London’s underworld reflect the broader themes of greed, corruption, and societal decay that Brecht sought to expose.

Mackie Messer (Mack the Knife)

Mackie Messer, also known as Mack the Knife, is the central character in “The Threepenny Opera.” He’s a notorious criminal and anti-hero, charming and ruthless in equal measure. His character is a satire of both the romanticized outlaw and the corrupt capitalist. Mackie is known for his charisma and his ability to manipulate those around him to serve his own ends, yet he also embodies the harsh realities of poverty and crime in Victorian London.

Pirate Jenny

Pirate Jenny is another iconic character from the play, known for her powerful song “Pirate Jenny.” She is a maid who dreams of revenge and liberation through a fantastical story where she envisions herself as a pirate captain. Her song vividly describes a future where she commands a ship and enacts vengeance on those who have wronged her. This character and her song highlight themes of social inequality, oppression, and the desire for empowerment.

“Pirate Jenny”:
And the ship, the Black Freighter, with a skull on its masthead, will come in…

Themes and Analysis

• Mackie Messer: His character explores the contradictions of human nature and society’s complicity in corruption and crime. Through Mackie, Brecht critiques the glorification of criminal behavior and the moral ambiguities within capitalist society.
• Pirate Jenny: Her song serves as a poignant commentary on social injustice and the power of imagination as a tool for resistance. Jenny’s fantasies of revenge underscore the deep-seated anger and desire for change among the oppressed.

Both characters are integral to the play’s exploration of societal issues, making “The Threepenny Opera” a powerful piece of social and political commentary.

Bertolt Brecht was a great admirer of Heinrich Heine, one of Germany’s most celebrated poets. Brecht drew inspiration from Heine’s lyrical style and sharp social criticism. Both poets shared a love for exploring the human condition, political issues, and societal injustices through their works.

Brecht’s Poems About Love and More

Brecht’s poetry often reflects his complex views on love, politics, and society. Here are a few themes Brecht frequently touched upon in his poems:

1. Love and Relationships: Brecht’s love poems are often marked by a blend of romanticism and realism, capturing the beauty and hardships of human relationships.

• For instance, in his poem “Remembering Marie A.,” Brecht poignantly reflects on a past love with a sense of nostalgia and longing.

1. Political Commentary: Much like Heine, Brecht’s poetry often carries a strong political message, critiquing social injustices, war, and oppression.

• His poem “The Solution” famously comments on the relationship between the government and the people during the 1953 East German uprising.

1. The Human Condition: Brecht delved into the complexities of human nature, exploring themes of survival, morality, and the impact of societal structures on individuals.

• In “A Worker Reads History,” Brecht highlights the often overlooked contributions of ordinary people throughout history.

Connection to Heine

Heine’s influence on Brecht is evident in the way both poets use their work to address social and political issues with a blend of sharp critique and poetic beauty. Heine’s “Deutschland. Ein Wintermärchen” (Germany. A Winter’s Tale) and Brecht’s “War Primer” both showcase their ability to use poetry as a powerful tool for social commentary.

Brecht’s admiration for Heine and his own poetic contributions enrich the literary landscape, offering profound insights into love, society, and human nature.

1933

When the Nazis came to power in 1933, Bertolt Brecht, like many other artists and intellectuals, was forced to flee Germany due to his outspoken political beliefs and the increasing persecution.

Exile in Denmark and the USA

• Denmark: Brecht first sought refuge in Denmark, where he continued his work and maintained a critical stance against the Nazi regime. He stayed there for several years, producing and writing new works in exile.
• United States: In 1941, Brecht moved to the United States, eventually settling in Los Angeles. During his time in the US, he continued to write and work on his plays and essays. However, he faced suspicion and scrutiny during the McCarthy era due to his left wing views.

Influence on His Work

Brecht’s experiences in exile deeply influenced his work. The themes of displacement, political oppression, and the struggle for justice are prominent in many of his later works. His plays from this period reflect a deep concern with the rise of fascism and the impact of war on humanity.

Brecht returned to Europe after World War II, eventually settling in East Berlin, where he continued to work until his death in 1956. He was offered his own Theatre at Schiffbauerdamm and never joined the Communist Regime in East Berlin.

Instead he applied for a passport in Austria.

He died only 58 years old because of a heart condition

Peter H Bloecker, Educator (Retired)

Linked

Last update Thu 14 Nov 2024.