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Overview
Synopsis
Baal is epic theatre-maker Bertolt Brecht’s first full-length play. Brecht wrote it in 1918 while a student at Munich University, though it wasn’t performed until 1923. In 21 scenes, Baal follows the escapades and downfall of the titular character, an amoral poet and disillusioned antihero who aimlessly wanders the countryside womanizing, drinking, and fighting. He seduces his friend’s innocent fiancée, abandons a woman after getting her pregnant, and murders his friend. Though he remains defiant, his hubris eventually catches up to him and he is forced to pay a heavy price for his debauchery. Brecht wrote the play before he developed the epic theatre techniques that would define his work, but his style is still evident.
Show Information
- Book
- Bertolt Brecht
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- First Produced
- 1923
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- Augsburg, Germany, About 1911
- Cast Size
- large
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- College/University, Ensemble Cast, Large Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult, Late Teen, Mature Adult, Elderly Characters
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
An anti-hero is a central character who lacks traditional heroic qualities such as morality, bravery, or idealism. Often flawed and complex, anti-heroes appear frequently in modern drama and literature.
A group of performers who function as a unit in a production rather than as individuals with leading roles.
A dramatic style associated with Bertolt Brecht that encourages critical thinking rather than emotional involvement.
Works not protected by copyright and available for free use or adaptation. Many classical plays, including Shakespeare's, fall into the public domain.
Videos
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Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright