What does 'verfremdungseffekt' mean?

Verfremdungseffekt is the German word for 'alienating the audience'. Bertolt Brecht used the technique of verfremdungseffekt in all of his plays since he believed that the audience would better understand the message or moral of the play if they were conscious critical observers and therefore aware they are watching a play. This is also known as 'breaking the fourth wall'. Examples of Verfremdungseffekt include (but are not limited to): narration; multi-rolling; the use of masks; minimal set and costumes; placards and signs; actors stepping out of their roles and presenting themselves; fractured scenes (as opposed to linear) and stereotypical characters. 

CI
Answered by Charlotte I. Drama tutor

24980 Views

See similar Drama GCSE tutors

Related Drama GCSE answers

All answers ▸

You are designing a costume for Abigail to wear in Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible'. Describe your costume ideas. Your design should reflect the setting of Miller's play.


Describe how you would use your vocal and physical skills to perform a line from the text you are studying and explain the effects you want to create.


How might you become more aware of how to perform your role in a naturalistic/ Stanislavskian way?


What are the main different stage configurations and how do they differ from each other?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences