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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. Who was the best-known composer that Brecht worked with?

2. Like Tolstoy and Strindberg, Brecht says that Wedekind was one of the greatest _____ of modern Europe.

3. The translator's notes in number 37 give a provisional account of the most important of Brecht's _____.

4. Brecht says actors should act for an audience of _____.

5. The goal of epic theatre is less to moralize than to _____.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Brecht say about inviting small guest companies to perform in the Augsberg theater?

2. In the editor's opinion, in what way did Brecht's ideas on theatre evolve?

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

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

5. Why was the editor not allowed to reproduce all of Brecht's essays?

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

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

8. How does Brecht define a scapegoat and who incurs the wrath the most in theatre?

9. How does Brecht say that Capitalism operates?

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 relationship with the actor, Peter Lorre. How does Brecht respond to criticism of Lorre? Why does he choose Lorre as an actor?

Essay Topic 2

Explain Brecht's views on stage design in epic theatre. What is the sole function of visual design in an epic play?

Essay Topic 3

Compare Brecht's ideas on illusion versus truth in theatre. Why do films lean toward illusion? Why is truth a more appealing aesthetic for Brecht?

(see the answer keys)

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