ALIENATION EFFECT Meaning and
Definition
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The term "alienation effect" refers to a concept in the field of theatre theory and practice, primarily associated with German playwright Bertolt Brecht. Also known as the "Verfremdungseffekt" in German, it is a technique employed to distance the audience from emotional involvement in order to encourage critical thinking and reflection.
The alienation effect aims to create a sense of detachment by breaking the illusion of reality typically present in traditional theatre. This technique seeks to interrupt the audience's immersion by utilizing various theatrical strategies, such as self-reflexivity, direct address, fragmented narratives, and the exposure of theatrical devices such as stage props or lighting techniques. By constantly reminding spectators that they are watching a constructed performance rather than being absorbed in a fictional world, the alienation effect prompts them to analyze and question what is being presented on stage.
Through this deliberate distancing, the alienation effect intends to provoke social and political consciousness among viewers, prompting them to identify and consider issues concerning power structures, societal inequalities, and ideological conditions. By challenging the audience's passive acceptance of the given circumstances depicted on stage, the alienation effect seeks to stimulate critical engagement, encourage debate, and ultimately motivate spectators to action.
Overall, the alienation effect revolutionized theatre by emphasizing not only entertainment but also the examination of broader social contexts, leading to the development of politically-centered and thought-provoking productions.
Common Misspellings for ALIENATION EFFECT
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Etymology of ALIENATION EFFECT
The term "alienation effect" is a translation of the German word "Verfremdungseffekt". It was coined by the renowned German playwright and theorist Bertolt Brecht in the 1930s. The etymology of the term can be broken down as follows:
1. Verfremdung: In German, "Verfremdung" means "estrangement" or "alienation". It is derived from the verb "fremd", which means "strange" or "foreign". The prefix "ver-" implies a state of becoming or making something foreign or strange.
2. Effekt: Translated as "effect" in English, "Effekt" is a German term derived from the Latin word "effectus", which means "achievement" or "accomplishment".
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