The impact of Brecht's dramatic theory on John Arden's drama

One of the most influential theatre theorists and practitioners of the twentieth century, the German poet, playwright and theatre director Bertolt Brecht left remarkable traces on dramaturgy and production in the contemporary theatre. Brecht, who lived in one of the gloomiest periods of human history, was and is still exposed to a great deal of critical interest as a result of his works, dramatic theory, complicated relationship with politics and his private life. When we turn to the British stage it is possible to find Brechtian influence in lots of British playwrights? works. It was nevertheless John Arden who truly understood Brecht?s aim and became insistent on practising his dramatic theory on the British stage.The thesis is divided into five parts. After the first introduction part, there comes the second part `Bertolt Brecht?. In this part The Theatre of Engagement, Brecht?s Epic and Dialectical Theatre including the alienation effect and gestus are examined in all their important details. Especially A Little Organum For The Theatre, the only theoretical work of Brecht, is emphasized and his dramatic theory is tried to be concretized.In the third part by starting from the political theatre movements in England the first Brecht productions on the British stage are mentioned and some British playwrigts who echo Brecht are dealt with.In the fourth part John Arden?s interest in Brecht is dwelt on and Brecht?s dramatic theory is put into practice on Arden?s three plays: Live Like Pigs, Sergeant Musgrave?s Dance and Left-handed LibertyThe thesis concludes with the fifth part. In this conclusion part a general evaluation is made and the ideas deduced are underlined briefly one more time.The central aim of this thesis is to focus on the effects of Brecht?s dramatic theory on Arden?s mentioned three plays; in other words to experience the practice of this theory