NOTE:  The visual images and signs used in this production are typical of Epic Theatre and serve the purpose of locating, framing and commenting the scene.  The images are by Heartfield and were chosen by the playwright for inclusion.  To see a full-screen version of the artwork, just click on the thumbnail version.  The text in boxes are signs for the character of Brecht.  During the play, these graphics will be projected onto the stage. 

Act II, Prologue 

Brecht, in the persona of Dr. Joseph Goebbels, reads a letter to the "Honorable Pigshit Ambassador of Shithole Czechoslovakia" demanding the extradition of Johnny.

Act II, Scene 1 
GRAPHICS:

Excerpts from the letters of Wieland, Piscator, Brecht, Dietrich, Hannah and Lena tell of each of the far-flung exiles experiences, opinions and enduring friendships during the years 1933-1939. 
Throughout these excerpt, Johnny sings of his need to continue his work at all costs.
His productivity during these years is reflected in the numerous images of his work shown during the scene.

Act II, Scene 2 

Graphics:

The Capital of Capital

George writes of Johnny from his comfortable exile as a "Bolshevik in New York." He has heard of Johnny's last minute flight from Prague to London from other refuges newly arrived in the United States. Most importantly, George agrees to write in support of the emigration of Johnny's son, Tom, to America. George encourages Johnny to join them and sings the first verse of "Amerika." 
In a brief excerpt from a letter to his father (Johnny), Tom writes of his happiness to be in New York and then sings the next verse of "Amerika." Tom is joined by George and other refugees for the rest of the song. A last excerpt from one of Tom's letters let us know that he is now a US citizen and joining the army to "kick Nazi butt." Johnny's letter in response highlights his continuing belief in possibility of affecting change in the world, his approval of Tom's choices, and his own realization that he is no longer young. 

Act II, Scene 3 

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What we need now is not only goodness, but strength

Tom and his friend Joe parachute into Italy where they are found and protected by Italian Partisans --Lina, Anna and their leader who goes by the name of 'Tarzan.' Joe falls immediately and passionately in love with Anna. 

Act II, Scene 4 

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Pessimism Is The Morning After Optimism

In an internment camp for enemy aliens in England, Johnny and his new wife, Gertrude, form the song and dance group Four and Twenty Black Birds to raise money for the refugees forced to flee Germany because of the Nazi party.

Act II, Scene 5 
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It Is Not Given To Man To Love and Be Wise

The Enemy of Your Enemy is….?

Joe sings to Anna of his dreams for their future as husband and wife in America then falls asleep with his head in Anna's lap. Anna sings to Joe (the lyrics make it clear that she is singing in Italian though the audience hears it in English) of her first love, a German soldier named Johan. Anna explains that Johan was killed by her mother when she caught them in bed together. Anna's mother and twenty other people were shot by the Germans in reprisal. Anna tried to commit suicide but survived. Despite it all, she knows she loved Johan, even if it was only for one night.

Act II, Scene 6 

Johnny is still in London, ill and unable to work because of his prior interment as an enemy alien. He is dispirited and depressed, but Gertrud is determined to support him and his work. 

Act II, Scene 7 

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Tarzan, the leader of the Italian partisans, shocks Tom by telling him of all the people the partisans have killed in order to clean the house of Germans and fascists. 
Tarzan further outrages them by stating that they would "deal with Anna" for her collaboration with the Germans. Lina protests but Tarzan effectively shuts her up by threatening to bomb her mother's house. Lina comments on how well Tarzan and the partisans have learned their lessons from the fascists they have finally overthrown. 
Joe, furious, turns to go and is shot dead by a fascist sniper who has escaped the partisans purge. Tom writes to his father of his grief, anger, and disillusionment. 

Act II, Scene 8 

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Hold onto your thingimajigs!

Out of Chaos

Dietrich sings for the American troops of her beautiful memories of Berlin before the war. She also sings of the horrible situation Berlin is currently in, caught between the Russians on one side and the Americans on the other. Tom writes to his father that he is going to marry Lina and promises to come and see Johnny soon.

Act II, Scene 9 

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On May 7, 1945, Germany unconditionally surrenders. The conflict that has shaped the lives of Johnny and the ensemble is finally over and life goes on.
 

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