Expressionism

Definition

Expressionism is a modernist movement that emphasizes the representation of emotional experience rather than physical reality. It often seeks to convey the inner feelings of characters through distorted perspectives, exaggerated forms, and vibrant colors, focusing on subjective interpretations of the world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Expressionism emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction against realism, focusing on the emotional experience rather than objective representation.
2. It was heavily influenced by the psychological theories of Sigmund Freud, exploring themes of identity, anxiety, and alienation.
3. In plays like Strindberg's works, expressionist elements manifest through characters' psychological struggles and heightened emotional states.
4. Expressionism is often characterized by unconventional staging and dramatic use of lighting and sound to enhance the emotional atmosphere.
5. The movement paved the way for later theatrical innovations, including the Theatre of the Absurd and various forms of avant-garde theatre.

Review Questions

• How does expressionism differ from realism in its portrayal of characters and emotions?
  • Expressionism differs from realism by prioritizing emotional truth over accurate depictions of reality. While realism aims to reflect everyday life and societal norms, expressionism distorts reality to reveal the inner emotional states of characters. This approach allows for a more profound exploration of themes like anxiety and alienation, enabling audiences to connect with characters on a deeper psychological level.
• Discuss how expressionist elements are present in Strindberg's works, particularly in relation to his exploration of human psychology.
  • Strindberg's works embody expressionist elements through their intense focus on characters' internal struggles and emotional turmoil. In plays like 'Miss Julie' and 'A Dream Play', he uses fragmented narratives and vivid imagery to portray complex psychological landscapes. These techniques serve to highlight existential themes, reflecting characters' fears, desires, and conflicts while moving away from traditional narrative forms.
• Evaluate the impact of expressionism on modern theatre movements such as agitprop and documentary theatre.
  • Expressionism significantly influenced modern theatre movements like agitprop and documentary theatre by encouraging artists to explore emotional and social realities through innovative storytelling techniques. Agitprop, which seeks to provoke political change through art, adopts expressionist styles to amplify emotions related to social issues. Similarly, documentary theatre utilizes elements of expressionism to heighten audience engagement with real-life stories, blending factual content with emotional depth, thus bridging the gap between factual reporting and personal experience.

Related terms

Agitprop: A form of political propaganda that uses art, especially theatre, to promote a specific political agenda, often associated with social and political movements.

Subjective Realism: A style in theatre that focuses on presenting characters' inner thoughts and emotions, often blurring the lines between reality and dreams.

Theatre of the Absurd: A post-World War II theatrical movement that reflects the absurdity of human existence through illogical situations and nonsensical dialogue.