What does Brechtian Acting mean?
Brechtian Acting, also known as Epic Theatre, is an acting style developed by German playwright and director Bertolt Brecht. It emphasizes the alienation effect (Verfremdungseffekt), a technique intended to distance the audience emotionally from the narrative to encourage critical thinking about the themes and social issues presented. Brechtian acting contrasts with more naturalistic acting styles that aim to immerse the audience emotionally. Actors using Brecht’s method often break the fourth wall, speak directly to the audience, and comment on their characters, rather than becoming fully absorbed in the role. The goal is for the audience to recognize the performance as a constructed event, prompting them to reflect on its message intellectually.
