

In addition, he used unrealistic techniques in lights, visuals, and sets to remind the audience that they are watching a play.

He also instructed the actors to keep a distance between themselves and the characters they play. In fact, Brecht used techniques of “alienating,” or “distancing” to make the audience think objectively and focus on the larger social and political issues the play reflects. Since members of the audience are only observers and stand outside the action emotionally, they can study the story objectively and can recognize social realities. However, the audience remains at an emotional distance from the story. It presents the audience an argument with its different viewpoints. The main goal of epic theatre is not to imitate reality instead, it encourages the audience to think critically, make judgements and act. Epic theatre is typically a clear political statement.
#Epic theater series
In other words, it presents a series or a montage of scenes. Moreover, scenes usually stand-alone, and made in small chunks, instead of slow and lengthy buildup. The narrative often leaves issues unresolved, making the audience think critically and make judgements. Epic theatre has a fractured narrative that is non-linear. It is mainly linked to the famous playwright Bertolt Brecht. – Comparison of Key Differences Key Termsīrecht, Epic Theatre, Dramatic Theatre What is Epic TheatreĮpic Theatre is a theatre movement that came into prominence in the mid-20th century. What is the Difference Between Epic Theatre and Dramatic Theatre However, in dramatic theatre, the audience is emotionally engaged, and they identify themselves with the characters. In epic theatre, the audience is alienated or distanced from what is happening in the play so they can freely focus on the larger social and political issues the play reflects. The main difference between epic theatre and dramatic theatre is that epic theatre has a non-linear narrative, while dramatic theatre has a linear narrative.
