The impact of Brecht's theatrical approach on Qassim Mohammed's theatre in Iraq

The research studies the impact of Brecht's theatrical approach on the Iraqi theater in general and Qassim Mohammed's theater. The research deals with characteristics that characterize Brecht's epic theater, which can be seen in Qassim Mohammed's theater. These characteristics discussed were alienation, the actor's personality on stage, decoration, music, lighting, and other critical aspects. Awareness and Westernization are among the essential characteristics advocated by Brecht. For him, awareness means making the viewer deduce ideas and analyze them to get him/her out of the problems and suffering surrounding him/her. Westernization is also a tool for replacing thoughts, as it is a surprising way to present modern ideas instead of the prevailing customs and traditions in society. Through these characteristics, some theatrical performances of Qassim Mohammed, which were selected according to their affinity with the Brecht epic theatre, will be studied and analyzed. These performances are The Palm and the Neighbors 1969, Baghdad Forever Between Seriousness and Humor 1974, and the play Once Upon a Time 1978, which deal with modern ideas and details to enlighten the viewer and make him aware of the misery surrounding him/her. On the other hand, the attempt to revolutionize society is the dominant feature in Brecht's epic theatre. He tries to make the spectator conscious. He tries to involve him in the theatrical performance, not to make him a mere spectator. All these details and characteristics will be studied in detail in the coming chapters.