20th century European theatre

20th-century European theatre was marked by innovation and experimentation, reflecting social and political upheavals. Movements like realism and avant-garde challenged traditional storytelling, while figures such as Bertolt Brecht emphasized theater as a tool for social change. Modernist ideas led to abstract staging and non-linear narratives, and later, post-war reflections shifted toward exploring identity and memory. The century also saw the rise of influential playwrights and directors shaping contemporary performance. Overall, European theatre evolved from classical forms to diverse, provocative expressions that questioned conventions and expanded the possibilities of theatrical art.