What are the conventions of epic theatre?

Answer 1

· narration

· direct address to audience

· placards and signs

· projection

· spoiling dramatic tension in advance of episodes (scenes)

· disjointed time sequences - flash backs and flash forwards - large jumps in time between episodes (scenes)

· historification - setting events in another place and/or time in order to distance the emotional impact, yet enhance the intellectual impact for the spectator (audience)

· fragmentary costumes - single items of clothing representing the entire costume

· fragmentary props - single objects representing a larger picture (or setting)

· song - like parables in The Bible, songs are used to communicate the message or themes of the drama

· demonstration of role - actors are encouraged not to fully become the role, but rather to 'demonstrate' the role at arms length, with a sense of detachment

· multiple roles - actors commonly perform more than one character in a drama

· costume changes in full view of the spectator (audience)

· lighting equipment in full view of the spectator (audience)

· open white lighting - due to its emotional impact, colored light on stage is eliminated - instead, the stage is flooded with white light

· alienation technique - a complex term translated differently by scholars from the German "verfremdungseffekt", involves the use of many of the above conventions, with the ultimate aim of distancing the audience emotionally and increasing their intellectual response to the drama

-Stereotyped characters

-Minimal set design

-The use of song

-Banners and signs

-Chorus

-Actors playing more than one character

-Short, episodic scenarios within the play

-Bold movement and gesture

-Symbolic colours, props (props were minimal)

-No use of 4th wall, the actor addresses the audience directly

-Often includes historic events or characters