The Measures Taken was written between the years of 1929 and 1930. These moralistic Lehrstücke, or “learning plays,” were written against the Communist backdrop of social, economic, and political turmoil in Germany. First performed in 1930 in Berlin, The Measures Taken was written as a moralistic cause, designed to teach its audience members that one can be fully dedicated to a romantic or idealistic cause without taking into consideration how individuals may contribute to this cause—or be harmed by it.
These short works reject the conventions of theatre at the time and, as such, were intended for amateur performances. It was believed that amateur performers would contribute to—and further heighten—the moralistic tales captured within. In addition to its use of amateur performers, The Measures Taken also broke theatre conventions through its use of active participation from all elements of the theatre experience—including the audience.
To further drive home the political, social, and moral lessons contained within, The Measures Taken encouraged active audience and performer interactions/participation. This theatre technique broke from conventional performance tactics of the age and, in doing so, forged the foundation of Brechtian theatre.
In short, The Measures Taken was written against the tense backdrop of political and social turmoil in an attempt to share its moralistic values with the audience of the age. Its use of amateur performers and its encouragement of active audience participation challenged the theatre norms of the age and also encouraged audience members to consider how individuals may be damaged if ones “principled” deeds lose their foundation; we must consider how our actions, however noble they may, can ultimately harm and cause suffering for those around us.
