The document provides a critical review of a pack on Bertolt Brecht by Group 14. It finds that while the biography provides interesting contextual information, it lacks specific dates and details about Brecht's education. The explanation of epic theatre is clear and supported with good examples. However, there are few references to other critics' views on Brecht's work or his influence. There is a bibliography but few in-text citations, and references could have included more detail. The pack would also benefit from acknowledging divergent views and exploring audiences' responses to Brecht's work and its political messages/inspirations.

1. Critical Review on Betlot Brecht By Group 14 Harry Trow, Monica Vidjrakou Burgos, Sara Whalley

2. Is the pack accurate, does it fairly summarise and represent mainstream view on this practitioner? The biography has some very interesting information about events going on around him and how his experiences effected his work, but there is a lack of dates on the events which could help if further research was needed and we felt it lacked information on his education which would have been useful to see how he developed as a practitioner. The explanation given of epic theatre was very good in giving a clear definition of what the movement was about. The examples of lighting, stage design and sound gave the theory some context and the comparison slide cleared up any confusion that may have occurred when reading the definition. Although there is plenty of information on Brecht there doesn’t seem to be many other views on his work from critics or other practitioners and how he influenced modern theatre.

3. Is it properly referenced, are sources cited correctly? There is a bibliography but there are very few references to where they found their research. The website listed is just wikipedia rather than specific sites within wikipedia. And the reference numbers for the library books could have also been noted. Quotes that are used are relevant to what is being discussed and are referenced well.

4. Are there divergent views which should be acknowledged? There seems to be no evidence of audience response to Brecht’s work or that of his peers at the time and since.

5. Is the application of ideas appropriate, could this go further or in different directions, if so what directions? They presented their ideas well and gave a good range of his works but we would have liked to have seen more on what inspired him to write and why he wrote his pieces, were they political? Carrying a message or statement? And if so what was it? There could have been some more in the biography for example he founded the most famous touring company in Germany with his first wife. Certain facts that could have influenced his future works.