Epic Theatre is a theatrical movement that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily associated with the playwright Bertolt Brecht. It aims to provoke critical thinking in the audience rather than simply entertaining them. By using techniques such as breaking the fourth wall, direct address, and non-linear storytelling, Epic Theatre encourages viewers to reflect on social and political issues.
One of the key features of Epic Theatre is the use of Verfremdungseffekt, or the "alienation effect," which makes familiar situations feel strange. This technique helps to prevent emotional attachment to characters, prompting the audience to engage intellectually with the themes presented on stage.