Turandot (Brecht)

Turandot (Brecht) refers primarily to Bertolt Brecht's unfinished play, Turandot oder Der Kongress der Weißwäscher (Turandot or the Congress of Whitewashers), written between 1953 and 1954. It is a satirical and allegorical work inspired by the original Turandot story, a Persian narrative popularized in Europe by Carlo Gozzi's 1762 play. However, Brecht's version drastically departs from both Gozzi's and Giacomo Puccini's interpretations (the latter's famous opera).

Brecht's Turandot relocates the narrative to a modern, unnamed, and totalitarian setting, drawing parallels with contemporary political situations, particularly the Cold War era and the perceived self-serving actions of intellectuals and political leaders. The Princess Turandot figure represents a power structure that demands conformity and suppresses dissent. The riddles are replaced by ideological tests designed to identify and eliminate those who threaten the regime.

The "whitewashers" of the play's subtitle are intellectuals and opportunists who readily adapt their opinions and actions to align with the ruling power, thereby "whitewashing" its injustices and maintaining its authority. The character of Calaf, rather than being a romantic hero, is often presented as a figure caught between resistance and collaboration.

Brecht's Turandot remains unfinished, with various endings and scene fragments existing. Due to its fragmented state and complex allegorical nature, productions are relatively rare and often involve significant adaptation and interpretation. The play is considered a significant work in Brecht's late period, showcasing his continued engagement with political theater and his critical examination of power dynamics within society. Key themes include conformity, the role of intellectuals in oppressive regimes, and the struggle for individual integrity in the face of political pressure.