We need a type of theatre which not only releases the feelings, insights and impulses possible within the particular historical field of human relations in which the action takes place, but employs and encourages those thoughts and feelings which help transform the field itself.
Bertolt BrechtDon’t accept the habitual as a natural thing. In times of disorder, of organized confusion, of de-humanized humanity, nothing should seem natural. Nothing should seem impossible to change.
Bertolt BrechtFor the villainy of the world is great, and a man has to run his legs off to keep them from being stolen out fom underneath him.
Bertolt BrechtOh! Moon of Alabama We now must say good-bye We've lost our good old mama And must have whiskey Oh, you know why!
Bertolt BrechtNowadays, anyone who wishes to combat lies and ignorance and to write the truth must overcome at least five difficulties. He must have the courage to write the truth when truth is everywhere opposed; the keenness to recognize it, although it is everywhere concealed; the skill to manipulate it as a weapon; the judgment to select those in whose hands it will be effective; and the running to spread the truth among such persons.
Bertolt BrechtOne forgets too easily the difference between a man and his image, and that there is none between the sound of his voice on the screen and in real life.
Bertolt BrechtThe shrill voices of those who give orders Are full of fear like the squeakings of Piglets awaiting the butcher's knife, as their fat arses Sweat with anxiety in their office chairs.... Fear rules not only those who are ruled, but The rulers too.
Bertolt BrechtIn the dark times Will there also be singing? Yes, there will also be singing. About the dark times.
Bertolt BrechtI'm in good form, taking no interest in things, neglecting clothes, meals, company, and feeling calm and stable as I write.
Bertolt BrechtThe worst illiterate is the political illiterate. He hears nothing, sees nothing, takes no part in political life. He doesn't seem to know that the cost of living, the price of beans, of flour, of rent, of medicines all depend on political decisions. He even prides himself on his political ignorance, sticks out his chest and says he hates politics. He doesn't know, the imbecile, that from his political non-participation comes the prostitute, the abandoned child, the robber and, worst of all, corrupt officials, the lackeys of exploitative multinational corporations.
Bertolt BrechtSin is what is new, strong, surprising, strange. The theatre must take an interest in sin if the young are to be able to go there.
Bertolt BrechtThose who have had no share in the good fortunes of the mighty Often have a share in their misfortunes.
Bertolt BrechtWhat they could do with 'round here is a good war. What else can you expect with peace running wild all over the place? You know what the trouble with peace is? No organization.
Bertolt BrechtThere are many elements to a campaign. Leadership is number one. Everything else is number two.
Bertolt BrechtThough the rich of this earth find no difficulty in creating misery, they can't bear to see it.
Bertolt BrechtIt is not enough to demand insight and informative images of reality from the theater. Our theater must stimulate a desire for understanding, a delight in changing reality. Our audience must experience not only the ways to free Prometheus, but be schooled in the very desire to free him. Theater must teach all the pleasures and joys of discovery, all the feelings of triumph associated with liberation.
Bertolt BrechtThe defeats and victories of the fellows at the top aren't always defeats and victories for the fellows at the bottom.
Bertolt Brecht