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Three Plays: Philoctetes / The Horatian / Mauser
Despite being widely acknowledged as one of the most important German dramatists since Bertolt Brecht, Heiner Müller (1929–95) still remains relatively unknown in the English-speaking world. This collection of plays aims to change that, presenting new translations and opening up his work to a larger audience.
Collected here are three of his plays—Philoctetes, The Horatian, and Mauser—whose poetic texts evidence the influence of Shakespeare, classical Greek tragedy, and avant-garde political theater on his works. Together they constitute what Müller called an "experimental series," which both develops and critiques Brecht’s theory of the Lehrstück, or "learning play."
Based on a tragedy by Sophocles, Philoctetes dramatizes the confrontation between politics, morality, and the desire for revenge. The Horatian uses an incident from ancient Rome as an example of ways of approaching the moral ambiguity of the past. Finally, Mauser, set during the Russian civil war, examines the nature and ethics of revolutionary violence. The plays are accompanied by supporting materials written by Müller himself, as well as an introduction by Uwe Schütte that contextualizes the plays and speaks of their continued relevance today.
Collected here are three of his plays—Philoctetes, The Horatian, and Mauser—whose poetic texts evidence the influence of Shakespeare, classical Greek tragedy, and avant-garde political theater on his works. Together they constitute what Müller called an "experimental series," which both develops and critiques Brecht’s theory of the Lehrstück, or "learning play."
Based on a tragedy by Sophocles, Philoctetes dramatizes the confrontation between politics, morality, and the desire for revenge. The Horatian uses an incident from ancient Rome as an example of ways of approaching the moral ambiguity of the past. Finally, Mauser, set during the Russian civil war, examines the nature and ethics of revolutionary violence. The plays are accompanied by supporting materials written by Müller himself, as well as an introduction by Uwe Schütte that contextualizes the plays and speaks of their continued relevance today.
138 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 2011
31 people want to read
About the author
Heiner Müller
260 books90 followersHeiner Müller was a German (formerly East German) dramatist, poet, writer, essayist and theatre director. Described as "the theatre's greatest living poet" since Samuel Beckett, Müller is often considered the most important German dramatist of the 20th century after Bertolt Brecht. His "enigmatic, fragmentary pieces" are a significant contribution to postmodern drama and postdramatic theatre.
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September 23, 2024Der Horatier
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September 18, 2021
Philoctetes **** -- This short work explores the role of duty and mission, and how these can override or overwhelm our personal sense of morality and honor. Odysseus, for whom the end (Troy’s defeat) justifies the means, convinces Achilles’ son Neoptolemos, ostensibly a man of honor, to trick Philoctetes into handing over his bow. Philoctetes, meanwhile, is obsessed by ideas of vengeance no matter the cost to society.
This is rather a philosophical play where ideas are argued, more than an emotional piece. It alters the plot of Sophocles, but I won’t give away the ending.
An interesting work written in blank verse. This translation feels a little stiff, and a few lines feel forced into the meter. The play seems, truth be told, to be intentionally a little stiff and formal like traditional Greek tragedies. But overall, if you like thoughtful and thought-provoking drama, you will enjoy this work.
The Horatian *** -- This short play speaks to the issue of the flawed hero – the politician, the artist, etc., who does so much good but also has darker side. Does the good outweigh the bad? Does the bad undo the good? In performance, it appears rather experimental. I can’t quite follow the stage directions in the book, but I’d like to see it perfored.
Mauser ** -- Like The Horatian, Mauser is a response to Brecht’s Lehrstuck, in particular The Decision (sometimes called The Measures Taken). Like Brecht’s play, it looks at the death of the individual for the greater good of the party. It felt a little stiff, a little dogmatic for my tastes. Like I noted with Brecht’s play, it seems to be saying that capitalism is killing us so let’s die for the party. I don’t quite get it.
This is rather a philosophical play where ideas are argued, more than an emotional piece. It alters the plot of Sophocles, but I won’t give away the ending.
An interesting work written in blank verse. This translation feels a little stiff, and a few lines feel forced into the meter. The play seems, truth be told, to be intentionally a little stiff and formal like traditional Greek tragedies. But overall, if you like thoughtful and thought-provoking drama, you will enjoy this work.
The Horatian *** -- This short play speaks to the issue of the flawed hero – the politician, the artist, etc., who does so much good but also has darker side. Does the good outweigh the bad? Does the bad undo the good? In performance, it appears rather experimental. I can’t quite follow the stage directions in the book, but I’d like to see it perfored.
Mauser ** -- Like The Horatian, Mauser is a response to Brecht’s Lehrstuck, in particular The Decision (sometimes called The Measures Taken). Like Brecht’s play, it looks at the death of the individual for the greater good of the party. It felt a little stiff, a little dogmatic for my tastes. Like I noted with Brecht’s play, it seems to be saying that capitalism is killing us so let’s die for the party. I don’t quite get it.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews