The Expressionist Theatre

Expressionist theatre is a style that emphasizes emotional experience and inner feelings over realistic representation. It uses bold visuals, dramatic lighting, exaggerated gestures, and distorted sets to convey characters’ inner states and societal tensions. The goal is to evoke strong emotional reactions and explore profound themes like alienation and chaos. Originating in early 20th-century Germany, it often breaks traditional theatrical conventions, creating a visceral, imaginative experience that invites audiences to feel deeply connected to the characters’ psychological worlds.