Brecht in L.A.

<div>Bertolt Brecht perhaps the most important dramatist/director/theorist of the twentieth century is still widely studied and his plays and theories remain staples in the curricula of university theatre departments literature departments and theatre-artist training programs throughout the world. Additionally productions of Brecht's dramas continue to be popular. The play <i>Brecht in L.A.</i> focuses on Brecht's life in America where he resided from 1941 through 1947.<br /><br />Additionally <i>Brecht in L.A.</i> winner of the 2002 SWTA National New Play Contest (US) is already a critically acclaimed play which suggests that the work has the potential to be widely (and successfully) produced. And such productions will enhance the marketability of the book. A play influenced by Brecht is in itself not unique since many leading contemporary dramatists--such as Caryl Churchill Edward Bond Tony Kushner Heiner Muller and Howard Barker--have been affected by Brechtian dramaturgy. But a Brechtian-influenced play with Brecht as the lead character is unique. The play represents the only dramatic work in English which features Brecht himself as the title character.<br /><br /><i>Brecht in L.A.</i> centering on Brecht while adapting/critiquing Brechtian dramatic form also provides a unique opportunity for the instructor who is teaching Brechtian theatre since--with just one text (which will includes endnotes and appendices)--the instructor can cover epic theatre the Brecht debate Brecht's biography and contradictions between Brecht's theatrical practices and his everyday life.<br /><br />The book's wide-ranging audience will include theatre artists; playgoers; students of drama theatre English and performance studies; scholars; and readers interested in Brecht Hollywood and/or biography. <i>Brecht in L.A.</i> will also be an important addition to the considerable collections of books about Brecht which are carried by countless libraries.</div>