Verfremdungseffekt

The Verfremdungseffekt, or "distancing effect," is a theatrical technique developed by playwright Bertolt Brecht. It aims to prevent the audience from getting too emotionally involved in a story, instead encouraging critical reflection on the social and political messages it conveys. By breaking the fourth wall—using direct address, unusual staging, or surprising elements—Brecht intended to make viewers more aware of the constructed nature of the performance. This approach helps audiences engage intellectually, prompting them to question social norms and consider potential changes in society, rather than simply becoming absorbed in the narrative.