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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What sort of approach does Brecht say the opera Mahagonny adopts?

2. What did Brecht win in 1922 for Trommeln in der Nacht?

3. Where did Brecht give an explanation of Ber Flug der Lindberghs in 1929?

4. Where dramatic theatre emphasizes plot, epic theatre emphasizes _____.

5. Which aspect of epic theatre showed a montage of events all over the world?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Brecht say about the mediocrity of German theatre?

2. What is Germany's role in the development of theatre in 1929?

3. How were theatrical productions in Russia, America and Germany similar to each other in Brecht's time.

4. What does Brecht tell Mr. X about the eternal urge to see of a play?

5. Why does Brecht write that there is nothing at all new about epic theater?

6. What was the function of the big canvas at the back of the stage in the production of Die Mutter?

7. Why have cuts been made in some of Brecht's essays in this book?

8. Why does Brecht use the example of 'leave-taking' in "A Dialogue about Acting" and what does he mean by it?

9. What songs did Brecht sing with Wedekind and what were they about?

10. What advantages did Brecht feel the theatre had in Germany before he went into exile?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Brecht's opinion of Shaw's philosophies on theatre. How does Shaw define terrorism in theatre? How does Brecht contradict Shaw's opinion on people's motivations for going to the theatre?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the creative atmosphere in theater in Berlin before World War II. How does Brecht feel about theatre during this time period? What sort of theatrical works are being produced?

Essay Topic 3

Explain Brecht's criteria for the subject matter of theatrical works. What is the ideal subject matter of epic theatre? What is its function?

(see the answer keys)

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