Mother Courage and her children
By: Bertolt Brecht ; translated from the German by John Willett ; with commentary and notes by Hugh Rorrison
Contributors: Willett, John, 1917-2002; Rorrison, Hugh
Publisher: Methuen Drama
Published: 1983
Place of publication: London
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] /
Number of pages: 160
Subjects: Thirty Years' War, 1618-1648; Drama
Work titles: Mutter Courage und ihre Kinder
Description: In this chronicle of the Thirty Years War of the 17th century, Mother Courage follows the armies back and forth across Europe, selling provisions and liquor from her canteen wagon. As the action of the play progresses between the years 1624 and 1646 she loses her children to the war but remains indomitable, refusing to part with her livelihood - the wagon. The play is one of the most celebrated examples of Epic Theatre and of Brecht's use of alienation effect to focus attention on the issues of the play above the individual characters.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references.