Brecht, Bertolt - The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui

The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (German: Der aufhaltsame Aufstieg des Arturo Ui, 1941) is a satirical parable play by the German poet and dramatist Bertolt Brecht. One of the most striking embodiments of his theory of epic theatre, the play exposes the mechanisms of power, corruption, and social complicity.

Using the form of a gangster farce set in the world of organized crime, Brecht allegorically depicts the rise of Adolf Hitler and the establishment of fascism in Germany, demonstrating how tyranny can grow when society fails to resist it. The play’s sharp humor, deliberate distancing techniques, and direct address to the audience are intended to provoke critical thinking rather than emotional identification.

A stage production based on this work was directed in Minsk by Valer Mazynski of the “Free Stage” theater. The premiere of the performance was banned.