Expressionist theater is a type of theater that emphasizes the subjective experiences of the characters rather than the objective reality of the events. Expressionist plays often use distorted sets, lighting, and costumes to create a sense of unease or anxiety. The characters in Expressionist plays are often alienated from their surroundings and struggle to communicate with one another. Expressionist theater was a major influence on the development of modern drama.
Some famous examples of Expressionist theater include:
* The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) by Robert Wiene
* Nosferatu (1922) by F.W. Murnau
* Metropolis (1927) by Fritz Lang
* The Threepenny Opera (1928) by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill
* The Blue Angel (1930) by Josef von Sternberg
Expressionist theater declined in popularity in the 1940s, but its influence can still be seen in modern drama and film.