Brecht - Acting

Question 1

What is gestus?

Answer 1

Gesture with an attitude, often to portray the difference in social class.

Question 2

Without changing the words, how can actors utilise the script?

Answer 2

• Singing dialogue
• Saying the stage directions
• Saying the stage headers (e.g ‘Scene 1’)

Question 3

What is spass?

Answer 3

Satire based on grotesque stereotypes, making the audience laugh and then changing their reaction unexpectedly.

Question 4

What are examples of using the casting of actors?

Answer 4

• Gender swapping
• Multi-rolling
• Ensemble acting
• Swapping roles

Question 5

What are some examples of Brechtian methods which create the V-effect?

Answer 5

• Breaking the fourth wall
• Direct adress
• Preparation of actors on stage (e.g changing costume)
• Slow motion
• Tableaux

Question 6

What is a way to add your own words into the play without using dialogue?

Answer 6

Placards.