Question 1: What is the purpose of Brecht's alienation effect in theatre? Explain how it influences the audience's experience.

Answer: The alienation effect, or 'Verfremdungseffekt', aims to remind the audience that they are watching a play rather than becoming emotionally involved. It encourages critical reflection on social and political issues instead of passive entertainment. Techniques like breaking the fourth wall, using visible stage mechanics, or actors addressing the audience are used to create distance and prompt thought.

Question 2: Describe what is meant by 'gestus' in Brecht's theatre. How does it differ from traditional acting gestures?

Answer: Gestus refers to a specific physical or facial gesture that conveys a character’s social attitude or political stance. Unlike naturalistic gestures, gestus is exaggerated and deliberate, serving to highlight social relationships or class distinctions. It is a tool to communicate meaning directly to the audience and provoke critical thinking.

Question 3: Create a short performance scene (2-3 lines) where an actor uses gestus to show a character’s attitude towards authority. Describe the gesture you would use.

Answer: Scene: A worker confronts a boss. Actor’s gesture: Standing upright with hands on hips, chin raised, and an unwavering gaze. This gestus conveys defiance and pride, showing the worker’s attitude of resistance and refusal to be submissive.

Question 4: Practise a simple scene where you break the fourth wall. Record what you say or do to remind the audience that they are watching a performance.

Answer: You could step forward and say directly to the audience, 'Remember, this is just a play. Think about what it means.' Or you might use a movement like glancing at the stagehands or stage machinery, then addressing the audience to make them aware of the theatrical process.

Question 5: Why might Brecht have wanted actors to perform in a way that distances the audience emotionally? How does this support his goals?

Answer: Brecht wanted audiences to critically analyze social issues instead of becoming emotionally absorbed. By distancing viewers, they are encouraged to question the characters' actions and the social conditions being depicted, fostering awareness and potential change rather than mere sympathy.

Question 6: Identify and explain one technique you could use to create the alienation effect during a performance.

Answer: One technique is to use visible lighting or props that remind the audience of the theatrical nature of the performance, such as turning lights on and off deliberately. This visual cue interrupts the illusion of reality, maintaining the audience's awareness that they are watching a constructed performance.

Question 7: Perform a short monologue where you intentionally avoid naturalistic acting. Describe at least two ways you would achieve this.

Answer: To avoid naturalistic acting, I could exaggerate my gestures and facial expressions to make them more visible and expressive. Additionally, I might speak in a deliberate, stylized manner rather than natural speech, emphasizing certain words or pauses to communicate character and social context clearly.

Question 8: Draw a simple diagram or describe how you would stage a scene to include Brecht’s alienation techniques.

Answer: Students should describe or sketch a scene where stage machinery or visible set elements are used intentionally to remind the audience of the theatrical experience. For example, having a visible spotlight, actors wearing costumes that look like costume pieces, or breaking the illusion with direct address or placards.

Question 9: Explain how the concept of 'gestus' can help an actor communicate their character’s social background without words.

Answer: Gestus allows actors to express social attitudes through physicality and expression, such as posture, gestures, and facial expressions. For example, a slouched posture might indicate submission or exhaustion, while a confident stance signals authority. These cues help the audience understand social context quickly and clearly.

Question 10: Reflect on a play or scene you have studied. Identify an example of Brecht’s alienation effect or gestus used by an actor, and explain its impact.

Answer: In 'The Good Person of Szechwan', actors use exaggerated gestures and direct address to highlight characters’ social struggles, creating a sense of distance. This prompts the audience to think critically about moral issues rather than sympathize emotionally, aligning with Brecht’s goals of fostering social awareness.