An exploration into the boundaries between the artist and audience in Helene Weigel's portrayal of Bertolt Brecht's Mother Courage in contrast to Marina Abramovic's Rhythm 0.

Abstract

This study acts as an introduction into how the boundaries between an artist and audience can affect their relationship, with reference to Helene Weigel's portrayal of Bertolt Brecht's Mother Courage (1949) and Marina Abramović's Rhythm 0 (1974). It aims to determine whether repositioning the boundaries between audience, performer, and action can strengthen the connection between the audience and performer in Mother Courage and Her Children and Rhythm 0. Through the discussion of each artist's social political background, the study seeks to explore how this has informed their work and may have affected their relationship with their audience within the context of that time period and social and political climate. Through exploration of the concept of audience, the importance of presence, and analysis of each performance with specific reference to the boundaries set by the artists; the factors defining the relationship between the artist and audience are discussed. As this is a relatively narrow area of study, this research does not intend to produce one conclusive answer, but instead suggests points for further research.