brechtwork: FOUR THEATRE POEMS

Some fragments that articulate ideas these notes have been trying to get at:

"Whatever you portray you should always portray
  as if it were happening now."

"At the same time express the fact that this instant
 On your stage is often repeated"

"Nor should you let the Now blot out the
 Previously and Afterwards, nor for that matter whatever
 Is even now happening outside the theatre and is similar in kind
 Nor even things that have nothing to do with it at all"

"So you should simply make the instant 
 Stand out, without in the process hiding 
 What you are making it stand out from."

"You should show what is; but also
 In showing what is you should suggest what could be and is not
 And might be helpful."

(Emphasis my own, quotes from 1976 Eyre Methuen edition)