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| Bertholt Brecht |
Bertolt Brecht
Bertolt Brecht was a German poet, playwright, and theatre director
Aug 14 is my birthdate and Mitte is Heimda'sl birthplace
"Brecht was drawn to Antigone by the power of the ancient archetype: a woman alone defying the power of the state." (Antigone, Brecht, preface by Malina)
"Brecht was drawn to Antigone by the power of the ancient archetype: a woman alone defying the power of the state." (Antigone, Brecht, preface by Malina)
Antigone useful preparation for actress Helene Weigel (Brechts widow) playing Mother Courage
Mother Courage is among Brecht's most famous plays, and has been considered by some to be the greatest play of the 20th century. His work attempts to show the dreadfulness of war and the idea that virtues are not rewarded in corrupt times. He used an epic structure so that the audience focuses on the issues being displayed rather than getting involved with the characters and emotions. Epic plays are of a very distinct genre and are typical of Brecht; a strong case could be made that he invented the form
Modern Culture
Urinetown, the character of Penelope Pennywise is roughly based on Mother Courage.
The rock band My Chemical Romance created the character Mother War for their third album The Black Parade. Mother War's song, "Mama", is influenced by themes from Mother Courage and Her Children, including the effect of war on personal morals.
Mother Courage has been compared to the popular musical, Fiddler on the Roof. As Matthew Gurewitsch wrote in The New York Sun, "Deep down, Mother Courage has a lot in common with Tevye the Milkman in Fiddler on the Roof. Like him, she's a mother hen helpless to protect the brood."[12]
Mother Courage was the inspiration for Lynn Nottage's Pulitzer winning play Ruined.[13]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_Courage_and_Her_Children
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No one can be good for long if goodness is not in demand.
Mixing one's wines may be a mistake, but old and new wisdom mix admirably.
Unhappy the land that is in need of heroes.
Although Antigone uses the unwritten laws of the gods as her reason for burying Polyneices despite the laws of the state being enforced by Creon, her real reason is loyalty and love for her brother.
"In battle the victory goes to Love" (Sophocles,35)
Antigone recognises she will die anyways (Lucretius)(Sophocles,19) and dying young is better than living in misery.
She addresses the timeless rule of the gods, "These laws weren't made now or yesterday. They live for all time (...) (Sophocles,19)
principle of hierarchy-a ship needs a captain
To keep power the powerful must enforce their rules and not bend (Sophocles,44) to opposers. will weaken power
Justice matters!(Sophocles,32) Be true to your own laws (Sophocles,36)
Where do the values lay; with family, city, state, orders, laws, power, justice, right, love life , death...(Brecht, 22)
It is considered foolish to risk ones life and defy the kings orders, but not fool enough to fight in his war.
Antigone's defiance insults King Kreon and he feels humiliated and made fun of...(Brecht, 29)
Antigone makes a point that :you who cry for unity live by conflict. Anyone who uses violence against his enemy will (...) use violence against his own people. (Brecht, 32)
Addressed in Communist Manifesto
In the Communist Manifesto and Lucretius poem there are some ideas that really offend or frighten people. I was thinking of Jonas' question #1 about bending. Antigone stood firm and Creon showed willingness to bend. the question to ask is what is the motivation and outcome. Think of the heretics who will not repent despite torture.
An entity with courage to speak a truth, belief, idea contrary to the power of authority. Kreon is sate laws, ego, reputation.
Antigone , love, loyalty, firm belief
knows other support her but have too much fear to speak up or stand against -
Like in Enemy of the People.
Gods and state divided, merge in history, diverge....
even today God Bless America
Antigone uses in her defence the unwritten laws of god.
compared to the 'word of god' in Christian history.
The big question - why were Christians so afraid of Pagan, Epicurean and Lucretian thoughts
Why so violent in the attempts to censor. Are the merit of their beliefs weak
How could it be a 'good' belief if it can not tolerate or withstand opposition and requires, from believers, fear, suffering and violence.
Must we always coerce others to agree with us
Who has the best proof. who has credibility to be believed (prophet)
The truth is entombed in a cave - out of sight out of mind. eliminate the competition
Thought police afraid of the other voice
To Kreons credit he is willing to alter his creed (bend) albeit to save himself.
The love figure confronts the reasoning. Unequal power
The motivation that propels action is critical. What values and morals are motivating our actions.
Many characters have died for love, Medea, Phaedre, Werther, Antigone.
Do not fear death (Lucretian)
Why this motivation for subversive thinkers to think & to create literature for us to read -
I think this proves Lucretius wrong, that when you die you die. Memories, legacies, literature, works of art, genealogy keep one alive.
I have been completely blown away by The Swerve
Zeitgeist
obsessed by meaning
highly intellectual ancients with the opportunity to think of something new. When did it all start repeating?
Mercy
Fortune
proof versus proved
belief versus blind faith
Not willing to be complacent to the (perceived) injustice
The consequences will effect majority but few have the the willingness to stand alone in defence -
the sacrificial lamb.
Pagans have multiple gods. Christian streamlined, fewer choices (trinity)
does this make belief more plausible?
Without god or the Divine - imagine the peace...
power, greed, violence versus love, pleasure, happiness
politics, corporations, news and media versus relationships, holidays, friends and family (contentedness)
Antigone does not have attachment to the city, sister, fiance or uncle. She may not be rational but she is a force to be reckoned with. Symbolises ideas and consequences of actions
Tempt the wrath if you dare whether divine or natural or political
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