Episode Twenty Five presents “Bertolt Brecht and Song.” a music theater work. Songs are performed by Barbara Noska accompanied by guitarist Joe Kasinskas. Brecht’s poetry is read by actor Christopher Hayes. “Bertolt Brecht and Song” premiered in 1980 at the Yellow Springs Institute in Pennsylvania.
Bertolt Brecht, playwright, director, poet and provocateur, was a dynamic figure throughout his life, whether it be in his native Germany or during his residence in the United States. Best known for collaborating with composer Kurt Weill to create a unique style of music and theater in the early years of the 20th century, Brecht also collaborated with other composers, principally Hanns Eisler. Exiled from Nazi Germany, the men reunited in Los Angeles. During those years in Los Angeles and upon their return to what became East Germany following the war, they collaborated on a collection of songs as Brecht continued to write poetry and plays. Part two celebrated Bertolt Brecht and Hanns Eisler’s songs and this is the focus of Episode Twenty-Five.
