estrangement effect

The estrangement effect, also known as Verfremdungseffekt, is a technique in theater and art designed to prevent the audience from fully identifying with the characters or story. Its goal is to make viewers think critically about what they're seeing, rather than becoming emotionally absorbed. By using methods like breaking the illusion, addressing the audience directly, or highlighting the artificiality of the performance, it encourages reflection on social issues and challenges perceptions. This approach was developed by Bertolt Brecht to promote a more conscious and engaged audience, fostering awareness and prompting social change.