Examples of Brechtian techniques in The Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht. Includes historification, verfremdungseffekt (alienation effect) and gestus. Provides examples and explanations. Ideal for quick learning for an exam or essay.
Verfremdungseffekt - Purpose is to combat emotional manipulation and to make the
character’s decisions clear. Makes what is happening on stage strange
to the audience so they cannot identify with the action. Allows the
audience to be critical of the actions and choices of characters.
Gestus - The actions of the character that reveal their social relationship and
their underlying narrative. Exaggerated vocal intonation and physical
acting to highlight the characters social standing.
Historification - The setting of the events of the play in another place or time to
distance the emotional impact, enhance the critical thought of the
audience and to highlight parallels with contemporary issues.
Examples
Verfremdungs Effekt
− Unnatural encounters that don’t seem normal when compared to average
enoucnters. Mostly seen between Simon Chachava and Grusha.
− Play within a play.
− Narrator.
− Change in language. Between singer and narrator. From poetry to plain prose.
− Exaggeration of character (almost pantomime).
− Set, for example the bridge.
− Episodic.
− Props, Michael or the head on the stick.
− Contradictions between words and characters actions.
− Contradictory atmosphere and music e.g. the wedding/funeral.
− An entire season passes in a few lines.
−
Historification
− The prologue.
− The locations. The Soviet Union and Grusinia.
− Difference in time period, for example the carriage and costumes.
Gestus
− The Fat Prince.
− Wind
− Sits on the book of law.
− Judges robes being destroyed represents the destruction of justice.
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