The "Alienation Effect," also known as the "Verfremdungseffekt," is a theatrical technique developed by the playwright and director Bertolt Brecht. It aims to prevent the audience from becoming emotionally absorbed in the story, encouraging them to think critically about the social and political themes presented. By creating a sense of distance, the audience is prompted to reflect on the issues rather than simply experiencing them. Brecht employed various methods to achieve this effect, such as breaking the fourth wall, using narration, and incorporating songs or multimedia elements. These techniques serve to remind the audience that they are watching a performance, fostering a more analytical engagement with the material rather than passive consumption.