1. Anti-illusionistic Sets: Brecht rejected realistic sets and instead used abstract or stylized sets to distance the audience from the illusion of reality and encourage critical thinking. These sets often consisted of simple and functional structures that could be easily rearranged to represent different locations.
2. Non-linear Narratives: Brecht's plays often employed non-linear narratives, fragmented structures, and flashbacks to disrupt conventional storytelling techniques. This unconventional structure aimed to keep the audience from becoming passively absorbed in the story and encouraged them to actively analyze the events and themes.
3. Alienation Effect (Verfremdungseffekt): One of the central features of Brecht's abstract theatre is the "alienation effect." This technique involves presenting familiar situations or characters in an unfamiliar or unexpected way to create a sense of detachment. By doing this, Brecht aimed to encourage the audience to critically examine and question the social, political, and economic systems presented on stage.
4. Brechtian Actors: Actors in Brecht's productions often adopted a detached, unemotional delivery, avoiding emotional identification with their roles. This style aimed to prevent the audience from becoming emotionally entangled in the characters and instead focus on analyzing the social and political issues explored in the play.
5. Breaking the Fourth Wall: Brecht sometimes employed the technique of breaking the fourth wall, where actors directly address the audience, commenting on the play or their characters. This technique further emphasizes the artificiality of the theatrical experience and encourages the audience's active engagement and critical reflection on the themes presented.
6. Didactic Elements: Brecht's abstract theatre often included didactic elements such as songs, poems, and choruses that explicitly convey the play's political or social message. These elements reinforce the play's educational and critical intentions, prompting the audience to think critically about the issues raised.
7. Collaboration: Brecht emphasized collaboration in the creative process, involving actors, directors, designers, and dramaturgs in shaping the production. This collaborative approach allowed for a diversity of perspectives and contributed to the overall critical and analytical nature of the theatrical experience.
Overall, Brecht's abstract theatre sought to challenge traditional theatrical conventions and engage audiences in a critical and analytical exploration of social, political, and economic issues, distancing them from emotional involvement and encouraging a heightened sense of awareness and reflection.