Eugen Berthold Friedrich Brecht, known as Bertolt Brecht, was born on 10 February 1898 in Augsburg, Germany. He was the son of Berthold Friedrich Brecht and Sophie Brecht. Brecht's upbringing in a middle-class household, influenced by his devout Protestant mother and Pietist grandparents, shaped his early exposure to literature and moral themes. He attended school in Augsburg, where he met Caspar Neher, with whom he would later collaborate extensively. Brecht's early interest in theatre was sparked during World War I, which he initially approached with enthusiasm but later criticized for its brutality.After the war, Brecht enrolled in medical studies at Munich University in 1917, where he began writing plays. His first significant work, 'Baal,' was completed in 1918, followed by 'Drums in the Night' in 1919. By 1924, Brecht had moved to Berlin, where he gained recognition for his collaboration with composer Kurt Weill on 'The Threepenny Opera.' This period marked his immersion in Marxist thought and the development of his theories on epic theatre, which emphasized social critique and audience engagement.With the rise of the Nazi regime in 1933, Brecht fled Germany, initially seeking refuge in Scandinavia. He later moved to Southern California during World War II, where he worked as a screenwriter while facing scrutiny from the FBI. In 1947, he was subpoenaed by the House Un-American Activities Committee due to his alleged Communist affiliations. Following his testimony, Brecht returned to Europe, settling in East Berlin, where he co-founded the Berliner Ensemble with his wife, Helene Weigel.In East Berlin, Brecht continued to develop his theatrical ideas, focusing on the Lehrstücke, or teaching plays, which aimed to educate audiences on social issues. His works from this period included 'Mother Courage and Her Children' and 'The Good Person of Szechwan.' Brecht's approach to theatre was characterized by the Verfremdungseffekt, or distancing effect, which sought to provoke critical reflection rather than emotional identification with characters.Brecht's later years were marked by his involvement in the East German cultural scene, where he directed plays and mentored young artists. He received the Stalin Peace Prize in 1954, reflecting his complex relationship with Marxist ideology. Brecht's health declined due to chronic heart issues, and he died on 14 August 1956 in East Berlin. His legacy endures through his influential works and contributions to theatre, which continue to resonate in contemporary artistic practices.