It all happened in a flash. February 1933 was the month in which the fate of German writers, as for so many others, was decided. In a tensely spun narrative, Uwe Wittstock tells the story of a demise which was predicted by some but also scarcely thought possible. He reveals how, in a matter of weeks, the glittering Weimar literary scene gave way to a long, dark winter, and how the net drew ever closer for Thomas Mann, Bertolt Brecht, Else Lasker-Schüler, Alfred Döblin, and countless others. Monday, January 30: Adolf Hitler is sworn in as Chancellor of Germany. Joseph Roth cannot wait any longer to learn what today’s paper will report. He leaves for the station early in the morning and takes the train to Paris; bidding Berlin farewell comes naturally to him. Meanwhile, Thomas Mann barely spares a thought for politics during the next ten days, focusing instead on his forthcoming speech on Richard Wagner. Weaving an intimate portrait of the major figures whose lives he follows day by day, Wittstock shows how the landslide of events which immediately followed Hitler’s victory spelled disaster for the country’s literary elite. He resurrects the atmosphere of the times, marked by anxiety for many, by passivity and self-betrayal for some, and by grim determination for others. Who will applaud the new dictator, and who will flee, fearing for their life?  Drawing on unpublished archival material, this important work is both a meticulous historical narrative and a timely reminder that we must remain vigilant in the face of the forces that threaten democracy, however distant the prospect of totalitarianism may seem.

How are we to think of satire if it has ceased to exist as a discrete genre? This study proposes a novel solution, understanding the satiric in the postwar era as a set of writing practices: figures of inversion, myth-making, and citation. By showing how writers and theorists alike deploy these devices in new contexts, this book reexamines the link between German postwar writing and the history of satire, and between literature and theory.

How are we to think of satire if it has ceased to exist as a discrete genre? This study proposes a novel solution, understanding the satiric in the postwar era as a set of writing practices: figures of inversion, myth-making, and citation. By showing how writers and theorists alike deploy these devices in new contexts, this book reexamines the link between German postwar writing and the history of satire, and between literature and theory.

An insider's guide to achieving that dream career - by one of the brightest stars in musical theatre. Being in a West End or Broadway musical is the dream of thousands of talented performers. But competition is intense and reaching the spotlight can often require a leap into the dark. So You Want To Be In Musicals? by Ruthie Henshall is your comprehensive guide to building - and sustaining - a successful career in musical theatre, and introduces you to everything you need to know about: Training - how to select a drama school, what to do to get in, and what to do once you're there Auditioning - how to choose and prepare your pieces, and foster a positive attitude towards auditions Rehearsing - how to construct your character, work with the director, and develop your own creative process Performing - how to deal with nerves, what to do as an understudy, and how to sustain that eight-show-a-week routine Working - how to get an agent, how to market yourself effectively, and how to maintain a healthy body and mind Along with a wealth of honest, straightforward advice, the book is packed with instructive anecdotes from Ruthie's own glittering career.

Auditions Undressed will help any music theatre singer, actor or dancer take better and more confidant auditions It offers artists both practical and psychological strategies to help combat the stress and strains of auditions coming from one of London's top professionals who has sat thousands of auditions throughout his long West End career. Laid out in sixty concise chapters, each chapter addresses individual aspects in the art of preparing for and taking those critically important auditions. Inspirational, intuitive, and potent, this book will help every actor step into the challenge of their next audition with confidence and knowledge