Theatre & performanceLesson 2 of 2 in the course Dramaturgy

Epic Theatre: Political Distance, Estrangement, and Brechtian Stagecraft

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

Save course
Lesson progress
0 / 5

Your progress is kept in this browser only.Sign up to save it

Summary

Epic theatre is a theatrical approach that asks audiences to think critically about the world represented on stage rather than become absorbed in an illusion of reality. This lesson introduces its purpose, historical roots, and relationship to other theatrical ideas.

The word epic does not describe the size or grand scale of a production. It refers to a particular way of shaping and presenting a drama. Epic theatre makes the audience’s perspective and response central to the experience.

All flashcards

What is epic theatre?
A theatrical approach that encourages audiences to examine the world represented on stage rather than become absorbed in an illusion of reality.
Who coined the term epic theatre, and where?
Erwin Piscator coined it during his first year as director of Berlin’s Volksbühne.
What does the term dialectical theatre emphasize?
Presenting events so audiences can question relationships, contradictions, and possibilities for change.
What is Gestus in epic theatre?
An actor’s physical embodiment of social meaning, such as a power relationship or social attitude.
What is historicisation?
Using a historical setting or event to draw attention to a related current social or political issue.

Quiz questions

  1. What is the purpose of the Verfremdungseffekt in epic theatre?Answer: To make familiar events seem unusual so audiences examine them critically.
  2. How does historicisation use the past in epic theatre?Answer: It uses a historical setting or event to draw attention to a related current issue.
  3. Why might a production rearrange scenery in full view of the audience?Answer: To make the theatrical construction visible rather than preserve a seamless illusion.
  4. What does Gestus make legible through an actor’s physical performance?Answer: Social meaning, such as a relationship of power or a social attitude.
  5. What does the Not/But element encourage an audience to notice?Answer: A character’s action as one choice among possible alternatives.

Based on the Wikipedia article Epic theatre, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

More in Theatre & performance

All Theatre & performance lessons
Theatre & performanceStanislavski’s Acting System: Origins, Rehearsal, and Development5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →Theatre & performanceScenic Design: History, Elements, and Contemporary Practice5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →Theatre & performanceTheatre Directing: Responsibilities, History, and Training5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →Theatre & performanceStagecraft: Historical Practices, Production Disciplines, and Technology5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →Theatre & performancePlaywriting: Historical Traditions, Dramatic Theory, and New-Play Development5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →Theatre & performanceActing: Craft, Training, Performance Meaning, and Stage Fright5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →