BRECHT THEATRE WORKSHOP
Venue: Double Teaching Space, Drama Room, Studio, Theatre, Hall
A hands-on immersion into the revolutionary world of Epic Theatre. Step into the world of Bertolt Brecht and his radical concept of Epic Theatre. This workshop offers students the opportunity to explore Brecht’s theatrical style and techniques that challenge the traditional storytelling model and reframe the theatre as a space for social critique and political discourse.
Through physical exercises, ensemble-based activities, and scene devising, students will learn how to apply Brechtian tools — narration, direct address, placards, projection, disjointed time, and anti-illusionary devices — to create engaging, thought-provoking theatre that asks audiences not to feel, but to think.
Australian Curriculum Links
Target Years: 7–12
Supports learning in The Arts – Drama, English, Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS), and General Capabilities.
The Arts – Drama
Years 7–10 | Strands:
Developing Understanding and Practices
➤ Investigate and apply non-naturalistic performance styles, including Epic Theatre and the techniques of Bertolt Brecht
➤ Rehearse and refine performances that break the fourth wall, use projection and placards, and challenge audience expectations
(ACADRM043, ACADRM049)
Responding and Interpreting
➤ Analyse how Brecht’s techniques alter audience engagement and meaning
➤ Reflect on how theatrical devices can communicate social and political themes
(ACADRR046, ACADRR051)
Senior Secondary – Drama (Years 11–12):
Explore Epic Theatre conventions, including narration, direct address, stylised gesture, fragmentation, and alienation
Devise and present original scenes inspired by Brecht’s philosophies
Analyse how performance choices impact audience perception and invite critical reflection
English
Years 7–10 | Strands:
Language for Interaction / Literature
➤ Interpret and critique texts that use irony, commentary, and stylised performance techniques
➤ Examine how text and performance can reveal ideologies, challenge power structures, or promote empathy
(ACELY1741, ACELT1635, ACELY1811)
Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS)
Explore connections between historical context, such as World War II, Marxism, capitalism, and social reform, and how they informed Brecht’s theatre
Analyse how performance can reflect and interrogate political systems, ethics, and social justice issues
(ACDSEH107, ACDSEH108, ACDSEH121)
General Capabilities
Critical and Creative Thinking
Question traditional narrative structures
Create and analyse scenes using disruption, contrast, and juxtaposition
Use visual signs, time jumps, and actor commentary to provoke thought
Ethical Understanding
Explore justice, inequality, power, and accountability through theatrical storytelling
Evaluate character decisions and societal systems through a political lens
Personal and Social Capability
Build confidence through direct audience engagement
Develop collaborative skills in ensemble devising
Cultivate empathy and analysis by stepping into roles that challenge personal beliefs
Core Workshop Components & Experiences
Epic Theatre Foundations: Overview of Brecht’s life, context, and the theory of Epic Theatre
"Clint Bolster has recently conducted a very successful two week Mask and Movement Training Intensive with the first year Bachelor of Creative Arts students at USQ. He designed his classes to meet the specific needs of these students. He also designed his classes to meet the learning outcomes dictated within the BCA course requirements. Clint’s passion for mask is infectious, creating a learning environment that is nurturing as well as challenging. His experience as a mask performer offers the students a unique insight into the entertainment industry. His big bright personality encourages a sense of play, openness and creativity in the classroom. Over the fortnight period of Clint’s residency at USQ there was a marked improvement in the students’ physical confidence. He introduced them to skills that are transferable to any theatrical genre they wish to explore. Moreover, Clint guided the students in their practical understanding of theatre-making, collaboration and performance . My students and I agree that Clint Bolster is a great asset to the theatrical education of young people."★★★★★
University Of Southern Queensland, School of Creative Arts Theatre Toowoomba QLD