2.3 Expressionism in Theater
3 min read•august 6, 2024
Expressionism in theater shook up traditional storytelling. Playwrights like Strindberg and O'Neill dove into characters' minds, showing their through wild sets and exaggerated acting. It was all about bringing hidden emotions to light.
This style tackled big issues like feeling lost in the modern world. Plays like "" used weird visuals and to show how people felt crushed by society. It was a bold new way to explore the human experience on stage.
Expressionist Playwrights
Key Figures in Expressionist Theater
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- August Strindberg, Swedish playwright who pioneered expressionist techniques in his later works (, The Ghost Sonata)
- Eugene O'Neill, American playwright influenced by Strindberg, incorporated expressionist elements into plays like and The Hairy Ape
- , American playwright known for his expressionist play The Adding Machine which critiques the of modern industrialization
Themes and Influences
- Expressionist playwrights often explored the inner and of their characters
- Their works frequently dealt with themes of , the struggle for identity, and the dehumanizing effects of modern society
- Influenced by the ideas of Sigmund Freud and the emerging field of psychology, expressionist playwrights sought to stage the
Expressionist Techniques
Staging and Visual Elements
- Expressionist plays often employ a subjective perspective, presenting the world as distorted or exaggerated to reflect the inner state of the characters
- Sets, lighting, and costumes are often distorted or abstract to create a sense of and psychological depth (exaggerated angles, , )
- Visual elements are used symbolically to convey inner states or themes (a set of towering skyscrapers to represent the oppressive nature of modern urban life)
Performance Style and Language
- Actors in expressionist plays often use exaggerated, stylized movements and vocal delivery to convey emotional intensity
- Language may be poetic, fragmented, or non-realistic to reflect the inner turmoil of the characters or the breakdown of communication in modern society
- Monologues and soliloquies are common, allowing characters to directly express their inner thoughts and feelings to the audience
Notable Expressionist Plays
August Strindberg's A Dream Play
- A Dream Play (1901) is a key early example of expressionist theater, presenting a series of loosely connected scenes that follow the logic of a dream
- The central character, Agnes, is the daughter of the Vedic god Indra, who descends to Earth to experience human suffering
- The play uses (The Officer, The Lawyer, The Poet) and surreal, nightmarish imagery to explore the human condition and the illusory nature of existence
Elmer Rice's The Adding Machine
- The Adding Machine (1923) is a critique of the dehumanizing effects of modern industrialization and the mechanization of human life
- The protagonist, Mr. Zero, is an accountant who is replaced by an adding machine after 25 years of service, leading him to murder his boss
- The play uses expressionistic techniques, such as , stylized dialogue, and allegorical characters (Mr. One, Mrs. Two), to convey its themes of alienation and the loss of individuality in modern society
Key Terms to Review (21)
A dream play: A dream play is a theatrical form that portrays the thoughts, emotions, and experiences of characters in a dreamlike and often surreal manner. This style often reflects the inner psyche of characters, blurring the lines between reality and imagination, which resonates deeply with the principles of expressionism in theater.
Alienation: Alienation refers to a feeling of disconnection or estrangement from oneself, others, or the surrounding world. In theater, particularly within absurdist and expressionist contexts, alienation serves as a crucial tool that challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about existence, society, and the human condition. This disconnection can evoke feelings of absurdity and can push viewers to question their own experiences and beliefs in a more profound way.
Bold colors: Bold colors are vivid, intense hues that stand out prominently in visual design and performance, often used to evoke strong emotions and create dynamic visual impact. In theater, particularly within the Expressionist movement, these colors serve to enhance the emotional tone of a piece, drawing attention to key themes and character emotions through their striking presence. The use of bold colors often reflects the inner psychological states of characters, creating an immersive experience for the audience.
Dehumanizing effects: Dehumanizing effects refer to the process through which individuals or groups are stripped of their human qualities, often leading to their treatment as less than human. In the context of expressionism in theater, these effects are prominently showcased through exaggerated portrayals of characters and situations that highlight the emotional and psychological struggles faced by individuals in a dehumanized society. This artistic representation serves to provoke thought and reflection on the impacts of societal pressures and alienation on human identity and dignity.
Distorted sets: Distorted sets refer to theatrical designs that manipulate space, shape, and perspective to create an unsettling or exaggerated environment, often reflecting the emotional and psychological states of characters. This design approach is integral to expressionism, as it emphasizes subjective experience and evokes a sense of disorientation or discomfort in the audience. Through the use of unusual angles, warped dimensions, and stylized elements, distorted sets embody the themes of alienation and distortion commonly found in expressionist works.
Dream-like scenes: Dream-like scenes are surreal, often disjointed moments in theater that evoke a sense of unreality and heightened emotion. These scenes typically challenge the audience's perception of time, space, and logic, creating an atmosphere that reflects the inner thoughts or feelings of characters rather than a linear narrative. This technique is a hallmark of expressionism, emphasizing subjective experience over objective reality.
Elmer Rice: Elmer Rice was an influential American playwright and director known for his significant contributions to the Expressionist movement in theater during the early 20th century. He is best known for his groundbreaking plays that often explored themes of social criticism and the human condition, challenging conventional narrative structures and theatrical forms. Rice's innovative use of dramatic techniques helped to shape the landscape of modern American theater and made him a pivotal figure in the development of Expressionism.
Emotional intensity: Emotional intensity refers to the depth and strength of feelings expressed by characters in a performance. It plays a crucial role in conveying the emotional states of characters, creating a visceral experience for the audience, and driving the narrative forward. High emotional intensity can evoke strong reactions from viewers, making performances more impactful and memorable.
Exaggerated movement: Exaggerated movement refers to a physical expression that amplifies gestures, actions, and postures to communicate emotions and ideas more intensely. This style is especially significant in experimental theater, where it serves to heighten the emotional landscape and often reflects the inner turmoil of characters or the thematic elements of a production. Such movements can include over-the-top gestures, larger-than-life body language, and dynamic physicality that break from realism.
Harsh shadows: Harsh shadows are strong, distinct shadows that are created when a light source is intense and focused, resulting in clear boundaries between light and dark areas. In the context of expressionism, harsh shadows can evoke strong emotions, create dramatic contrasts, and symbolize inner turmoil or conflict, enhancing the overall mood of a performance.
Inner turmoil: Inner turmoil refers to the intense emotional conflict or psychological struggle that an individual experiences within themselves. It often manifests through feelings of anxiety, fear, guilt, or doubt, reflecting a deeper internal battle that can significantly influence one's thoughts and actions. This concept is essential in understanding how characters are portrayed and developed in various forms of artistic expression, particularly within the realm of theater.
Inner workings of the human mind: The inner workings of the human mind refer to the complex processes of thought, emotion, and perception that shape individual behavior and experience. This concept is crucial for understanding how personal experiences, subconscious motivations, and emotional responses influence creativity and expression in art and performance. In the context of theater, it plays a significant role in portraying the psychological struggles and emotional depth of characters, often pushing audiences to confront their own inner realities.
Monologue: A monologue is a speech delivered by a single character in a play, revealing their thoughts, feelings, or narrative to the audience. This powerful theatrical device allows for deep character exploration and can express inner conflict, emotional turmoil, or significant revelations. In Expressionism, monologues are often used to convey the protagonist's psychological state and the broader existential themes present in the work.
Non-realistic sets: Non-realistic sets refer to theatrical stage designs that deliberately depart from the conventional representation of reality. Instead of mimicking actual locations or objects, these sets utilize abstract shapes, exaggerated colors, and symbolic elements to evoke emotions and convey themes. This approach allows for a heightened sense of expression, aligning closely with the emotional and psychological focus characteristic of certain theatrical movements.
Psychological states: Psychological states refer to the mental and emotional conditions that influence an individual’s behavior, thoughts, and feelings at a given time. In the context of expressionism in theater, these states are crucial as they convey the inner experiences of characters, often revealing their struggles, desires, and fears through heightened emotions and stylized performances.
Soliloquy: A soliloquy is a dramatic device where a character speaks their thoughts aloud, typically while alone on stage, revealing their inner feelings and motivations to the audience. This technique is often used to provide insight into a character’s psyche, allowing the audience to understand their struggles, desires, and conflicts. In expressionist theater, soliloquies take on heightened emotional significance, as they often reflect the character’s existential crises or distorted perceptions of reality.
Subjective experiences: Subjective experiences refer to the personal interpretations and emotional responses that individuals have in relation to their perceptions, thoughts, and feelings. In the realm of expressionism in theater, these experiences are vital as they focus on conveying inner emotions and the psychological state of characters rather than adhering strictly to external reality. The emphasis on subjective experiences allows for a deeper exploration of characters' internal struggles and enhances the overall emotional impact of a performance.
Symbolic characters: Symbolic characters are figures in theater that represent larger concepts or themes rather than being fully developed individuals. They are often used to convey abstract ideas, social critiques, or emotional states, allowing the audience to connect deeper with the underlying messages of the performance. In expressionism, these characters emphasize the emotional experience and subjective reality, moving away from realistic portrayals.
The Adding Machine: The Adding Machine is a play written by Elmer Rice that premiered in 1923, showcasing the anxieties of modernity and the dehumanizing effects of technology on individuals. It represents a shift in theater towards Expressionism, emphasizing emotional experience over physical reality and highlighting the struggles of a man, Mr. Zero, who feels obsolete in the face of advancing technology and societal changes.
The Emperor Jones: The Emperor Jones is a one-act play written by Eugene O'Neill that premiered in 1920, exploring themes of power, race, and psychological turmoil. The story follows Brutus Jones, an African American man who becomes a self-proclaimed emperor in a Caribbean island, highlighting the impact of colonialism and the struggle for identity. O'Neill's use of expressionistic techniques in the play emphasizes the psychological depths of the characters and their existential struggles, making it a significant work in the realm of expressionism in theater.
Theory of expressionism: The theory of expressionism is an artistic movement that emphasizes the expression of emotional experience rather than physical reality. It seeks to convey the inner feelings and subjective perceptions of individuals, often through distorted imagery, vibrant colors, and exaggerated forms. This approach allows artists to explore the human condition and psychological states, making it a significant influence in various art forms, particularly theater.