Bertolt Brecht

Bertolt Brecht (1898-1956) was a highly influential German playwright, poet, and theatre director, known for his epic theatre and Marxist ideas. He aimed to create politically engaged theatre that encouraged audiences to critically analyze social and economic systems. Brecht's works often explored themes of power, oppression, and resistance. He is newsworthy now because the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is staging a new production of his play, *The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui*. The alt-rock band Placebo is composing the score for this production, marking their theatre debut. *Arturo Ui*, written in 1941, is an allegory of Adolf Hitler's rise to power, making it a relevant commentary on political corruption and authoritarianism, even today. The RSC's production highlights Brecht's enduring significance as a playwright whose work continues to resonate with contemporary audiences and artists.