Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Bertolt Brecht, focusing on his aim to make the familiar 'strange' in his plays. They delve into his turbulent life, from Weimar Germany to post-war East Berlin, highlighting his impact on modern drama and his unique theatrical philosophy that aimed to engage audiences and provoke critical thinking.

Exploring Bertolt Brecht's revolutionary theatre, challenging emotions, and shifting landscape. Guests discuss his innovative approach, Marxist influences, and global impact on left-wing movements. They highlight his goal of engaging audiences through epic theatre, pushing boundaries creatively, and shaping cultural policy in East Germany.

Exploring labor and power dynamics in Bertolt Brecht's poem 'A Worker Reads History', shedding light on unrecognized laborers, contrasting idealism with Marxist realities, and posing reflective questions about historical narratives.