Bertholt Brecht

Advantages: form
Disadvantages: form as well

...This is a play about the problematic life of the great Italian philosopher and astronomer Galileo Galilei. It is one of Brecht’s finest works but he often detracts from the real historical fact to present a more heroic character in Galilei. The play employs Brecht’s now famous alienation effect to good use, making the audience stand back and analyse the implications of his scientific discovery for society and for religion, rather than becoming embroiled in his infecting passion for his discoveries. Never light hearted but very thought provoking, this play can be read much better than seen on stage as the action is not particularly stimulating.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: humour
Disadvantages: many different versions

...This is one of Brecht’s earlier plays and presents a fresh and vibrant dramatist that can not be found in the later works by Brecht where he becomes more involved in formand his concept of the epic theatre which became his legacy. He wrote many versions of this play and there are all stimulating and have their different nuances, but all of them are based nevertheless on the rogue poet figure that first came to light with characters like Villon, the infamous robber who wrote “Le Testament”. This is useful for scholars but it is by no means a masterpiece.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: story
Disadvantages: disorder

...... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful