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.