Baal (1982)

Intro

A play by Bertolt Brecht; the programme was first broadcast on 2 March 1982, 9.25pm (BBC1).

Running time: 1 hour and 5 minutes

Photos

The first photo shows Baal (played by David Bowie) and Sophie (Zoe Wanamaker) performing in a bar. The second photo shows them backstage at the bar, with other performers, preparing to escape.

Overview

Breathtakingly amoral, the artist-poet Baal displays scant regard for humanity and corrupts many of the individuals unfortunate enough to cross his path - including his patron's wife, Emilie.

Having left a trail of destruction behind him, he amuses himself by performing a lewd cabaret act with his latest mistress, the discontented Sophie. Baal humiliates the young woman before the cabaret audience, then shows remarkably little compassion when he discovers that she is pregnant as they roam across the South German countryside.

Several years later, Sophie encounters the artist-poet again. Evidently still suffering under the effects of his nefarious influence, she is barely recognisable. Baal remains unmoved.

Cast

David Bowie ... Baal

Robert Austin ... Mech

Jonathan Kent ... Eckart

Russell Wootton ... Piller

Julian Wadham ... Johannes

Sylvia Brayshay ... Louise

Tracey Childs ... Johanna

Juliet Hammond ... Emilie

Zoë Wanamaker ... Sophie

Michael Miller ... Horgauer

Paola Dionisotti ... Porter`s Wife

Polly James ... Soubrette

Leon Lissek ... Mjurk

Julian Littman ... Lupu

Wally Thomas ... First Cab Driver

Roy Evans ... Second Cab Driver

Pianist ... Hugh Walters

James Duggan ... First Policeman

Bill Stewart ... Second Policeman

Brian Coburn ... First Woodcutter

P.J. Davidson ... Second Woodcutter

Michael Hughes ... Third Woodcutter

Trevor Cooper ... Fourth Woodcutter

Crew

Translator of Baal: John Willett
Adapted by: John Willett and Alan Clarke
Director: Alan Clake
Producer: Louis Marks
Cinematography: John Timbers
Production Designer: Tony Abbott
Costume Designer: Reg Samuel
Makeup: Pauline Cox
Musical Director: Dominic Muldowney
Non-Original Music: Kurt Weill
Video Effects: Dave Jervis

Merchandise

David Bowie in Bertolt Brecht's Baal MP3 album