Great Lives: Bertolt Brecht

4 Extra Debut. Matthew Parris presents the biographical series in which his guests choose someone who has inspired their lives. Playwright John Godber nominates his literary hero and inspiration, Bertolt Brecht. Specialist in German drama professor Michael Patterson joins the debate to counter the widespread view that, 'if it's German and political, it must be boring'. Brecht's own productions were immensely lively and popular and his theatrical legacy, although eschewed by Hollywood devotees of naturalism, stands firm in the work of many of today's greatest writers. We also learn the truth about allegations of Brecht plundering the genius of his many lovers, and how he made love with his socks on. From April 2010.