PARADOX IN FOCUS AT EMU THEATRE

Brecht on Brecht, which opens a six performance run at Eastern Michigan University Theatre on March 28 at 7p.m., is an eclectic mix of songs, poems, scenes and other musings by one of the 20th Century’s most influential playwrights. An ensemble company of seven are directed by Pirooz Aghssa as they explore Bertolt Brecht’s paradoxical themes where comedy reveals tragedy, mirth accentuates sorrow and lyrics counter melody. All performances will be in the Sponberg Theatre in the Quirk Dramatic Arts Building located at the intersection of East Circle Drive and Best Hall on EMU’s Ypsilanti Campus.

Bertolt Brecht is among a handful of playwrights to be given his own adjective. “Brechtian” theatre, with its rejection of conventional theatrical illusion and emphasis on epic theatricalism was born in the turmoil of post WWI Germany. It came to maturity fighting the fascism of Hitler and remains a frequently utilized style designed to involve the audience’s intellect as well as influence emotions. Brecht on Brecht utilizes a full spectrum of Brechtian theatre from biting social commentary, to hilarious satire to profoundly moving story telling. It presents the tragedy of the Third Reich, the irony of compliancy in a democracy, and Brecht’s own astute whit when challenged by the House Un-American Activities Committee. It can evoke tears of laughter, anger and sorrow through which the paradox of human behavior ban be brought into focus.

There have been scores of productions of Brecht on Brecht since it premiered in 1961 and for the most part each has been unique. Brecht collaborator George Tabori compiled the collection of material used but invited directors to improvise to create a production informed by the time and place of each production. For EMU Theatre’s production Director Aghssa has selected musical numbers by another Brecht collaborator, Kurt Weill. The two worked together to create several musicals including Threepenny Opera and Happy End. The songs selected, like the poetry and scenes, reflect a wide range of musical styles from an ironic military march “Berlin in Licht” to the melancholy reflection of “September Song”.

Brecht on Brecht will run March 28, 29 and April 3, 4, 5 at 7 p.m. and March 30 at 3 p.m. – Ticket prices are $15 General Admission, $12 for students, and $9 for MAINSTAGE patrons. Tickets are available by phone at 734.487.2282 and in person at the convocation Center, the New Student Center ticket office or the Quirk Box Office. For more information on EMU Theatre visit www.emich.edu/public/cta/ted or www.myspace.com/emutheatre.