Epic Theatre:
1. Brechtian Approach: Epic theatre is primarily associated with the German playwright Bertolt Brecht. Brecht sought to create a form of theatre that was didactic and critical of social issues.
2. Alienation Effect: Epic theatre employs the "alienation effect" to prevent the audience from becoming emotionally involved in the play and encourage them to critically examine the events on stage.
3. Narrator: Epic theatre often uses a narrator who directly addresses the audience, provides context, and comments on the action of the play.
4. Non-Linear Structure: Epic theatre does not adhere to a linear plotline. It may contain flashbacks, flashforwards, and interludes to present a fragmented and disjointed narrative.
5. Actors as Storytellers: Actors in epic theatre are not fully embodying their roles but rather serve as storytellers who present and comment on the events of the play.
6. Minimal Stage Design: Epic theatre tends to have a minimalist set design, with minimal props and decorations. The focus is on the story and ideas rather than elaborate visuals.
Naturalism:
1. Ibsen and Stanislavski: Naturalism emerged in response to the conventional and artificial theatre styles of the 19th century. It was pioneered by playwrights like Henrik Ibsen and theatre practitioners like Konstantin Stanislavski.
2. Realism in Acting: Naturalism aims to create a sense of reality on stage. Actors strive to embody their characters fully and create believable performances.
3. Illusion of Reality: Naturalistic plays seek to create an illusion of reality by paying close attention to authentic dialogue, detailed settings, and realistic characters.
4. Fourth Wall: Naturalism maintains the fourth wall, meaning that the actors do not directly address the audience. The action of the play takes place within the confines of the fictional world.
5. Linear Narrative: Naturalistic plays typically follow a chronological narrative structure, unfolding the story in a logical sequence.
6. Detailed Scenery: Naturalism often features elaborate sets and props designed to replicate real-life environments and create a sense of verisimilitude.
In essence, epic theatre aims to present a critical and analytical perspective on society, often using stylized techniques to distance the audience from the narrative. On the other hand, naturalism strives for lifelike representation, immersing the audience in a believable illusion of reality through realistic acting and detailed settings.