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We need a type of theatre which not only releases the feelings, insights and impulses possible within the particular historical field of human relations in which the action takes place, but employs and encourages those thoughts and feelings which help transform the field itself.

Bertolt Brecht

The man who laughs has simply not yet had the terrible news.
BERTOLT BRECHT

Laughing Laughter Men
To those who does not know the world is on fire, I have nothing to say.
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Fire Nothing World
There are a few things that’ll move people to pity, a few, but the trouble is, when they’ve been used several times, they no longer work.
BERTOLT BRECHT

Moving People Trouble
He who speaks of enemies , himself is the enemy.
BERTOLT BRECHT

Enemy Himself Speak
Mixing one’s wines may be a mistake, but old and new wisdom mix admirably.
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Mistake Wine Wisdom
When the house of a great one collapses Many little ones are slain.
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Collapse House Littles
Those who have had no share in the good fortunes of the mighty Often have a share in their misfortunes.
BERTOLT BRECHT

Fortune Good Mighty Share
What they could do with ’round here is a good war. What else can you expect with peace running wild all over the place? You know what the trouble with peace is? No organization.
BERTOLT BRECHT

Peace Running War
What kind of times are they, when A talk about trees is almost a crime Because it implies silence about so many horrors?
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Kind Silence Tree
The alienation effect in German epic theater is achieved not only through the actors, but also through music (chorus and song) andsets (transparencies, film strips, etc.). Its main purpose is to place the staged events in their historical context.
BERTOLT BRECHT

Art Epic Film History Purpose Song
A man who sees another man on the street corner with only a stump for an arm will be so shocked the first time he’ll give him sixpence. But the second time it’ll only be a three penny bit. And if he sees him a third time, he’ll have him cold-bloodedly handed over to the police.
BERTOLT BRECHT

Giving Men Police Six Street Time
When something seems ‘the most obvious thing in the world’ it means that any attempt to understand the world has been given up.
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Mean World
Things take indeed a wondrous turn When learned men do stoop to learn.
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Men Scholarship Turns
Terrible is the temptation to be good.
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Be Good Temptation Terrible
The righteous one has no sense of humor.
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Humor One Righteous Sense
Sin is what is new, strong, surprising, strange. The theatre must take an interest in sin if the young are to be able to go there.
BERTOLT BRECHT

Able Strong Theatre

We need a type of theatre which not only releases the feelings, insights and impulses possible within the particular historical field of human relations in which the action takes place, but employs and encourages those thoughts and feelings which help transform the field itself.

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We need a type of theatre which not only releases the feelings, insights and impulses possible within the particular historical field of human relations in which the action takes place, but employs and encourages those thoughts and feelings which help transform the field itself.

Related Topics

Popular Authors

More Bertolt Brecht Quotes