Description
Book SynopsisFounded by Bertolt Brecht and his wife Helene Weigel in 1949, the Berliner Ensemble's productions and philosophy have been hugely influential on the work of theatre-makers around the world. David Barnett's book is the first study of the company in any language and is based upon extensive archival research.
Trade Review'Barnett's history of the company is a major achievement and a fascinating read.' Laura Bradley, University of Edinburgh
'Remarkably, Barnett's is the first history of the Berliner Ensemble to appear in any language. Written in English, this volume redressed that balance, reaching beyond Brecht scholars to theater practitioners and general audiences internationally.' Sam Williams, Das Brecht-Jahrbuch
Table of ContentsIntroduction; 1. The Berliner Ensemble as an opportunity to establish a new type of theatre; 2. The founding and the first season of the Berliner Ensemble; 3. The Berliner Ensemble's years at the Deutsches Theater: 1949–53; 4. Brecht's last seasons at the Theater am Schiffbauerdamm: 1954–6; 5. Developing the Brechtian legacy: 1956–61; 6. Making theatre politically after the Berlin Wall: 1961–5; 7. Years of crisis: 1966–71; 8. A new beginning: 1971–4; 9. A new crisis: 1974–7; 10. A safe pair of hands: 1977–81; 11. Crisis and stagnation: 1981–9; 12. Wekwerth's last stand: 1989–91; 13. From gang of five to power of one: 1992–5; 14. The last hurrahs: 1996–9; Conclusion.
