What is the Difference Between Epic Theatre and Dramatic Theatre

The main difference between epic theatre and dramatic theatre is that epic theatre has a non-linear narrative, while dramatic theatre has a linear narrative.

In epic theatre, the audience is alienated or distanced from what is happening in the play so they can freely focus on the larger social and political issues the play reflects. However, in dramatic theatre, the audience is emotionally engaged, and they identify themselves with the characters.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Epic Theatre 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Dramatic Theatre
     – Definition, Features
3. What is the Difference Between Epic Theatre and Dramatic Theatre
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Brecht, Epic Theatre, Dramatic Theatre

What is Epic Theatre

Epic Theatre is a theatre movement that came into prominence in the mid-20th century. It is mainly linked to the famous playwright Bertolt Brecht. Epic theatre has a fractured narrative that is non-linear. The narrative often leaves issues unresolved, making the audience think critically and make judgements. Moreover, scenes usually stand-alone, and made in small chunks, instead of slow and lengthy buildup. In other words, it presents a series or a montage of scenes. Epic theatre is typically a clear political statement.

The main goal of epic theatre is not to imitate reality; instead, it encourages the audience to think critically, make judgements and act. It presents the audience an argument with its different viewpoints. However, the audience remains at an emotional distance from the story. Since members of the audience are only observers and stand outside the action emotionally, they can study the story objectively and can recognize social realities. In fact, Brecht used techniques of “alienating,” or “distancing” to make the audience think objectively and focus on the larger social and political issues the play reflects. He also instructed the actors to keep a distance between themselves and the characters they play. In addition, he used unrealistic techniques in lights, visuals, and sets to remind the audience that they are watching a play. Therefore, we can describe epic theatre as an enacting of reality and not the reality itself.

What is Dramatic Theatre

The dramatic theatre has a plot or story. Since events in dramatic theatre typically happen in chronological order, it has a linear narrative. There is a neat resolution to all issues at the end of the play. Generally, it provides entertainment to the audience and engages their emotions. Furthermore, dramatic theatre has different goals and techniques when compared to epic theatre. It allows the audience to see a representation of reality, encouraging them to accept the reality without thinking much. This will give the audience a sense of inevitability and fate.

Moreover, in dramatic theatre, the audience identifies with the characters of the play through emotions. It doesn’t encourage the audience to think critically and make judgements about the world around them. Also, this type of theatre is made of scenes that are linked to each other, ultimately leading to a climax.

Difference Between Epic Theatre and Dramatic Theatre

Definition

Epic theatre is a theatre movement that came into prominence in the mid-20th century, while dramatic theatre is the traditional theatre that presents a story or plot.

Narrative

Epic theatre has a non-linear narrative, while dramatic theatre has a linear narrative.

Audience’s Reaction

In epic theatre, the audience is alienated or distanced from what is happening in the play so they can freely focus on the larger social and political issues the play reflects. However, in dramatic theatre, the audience is emotionally engaged, and they identify themselves with the characters.

Scenes

In epic theatre, scenes stand-alone while in dramatic theatre, scenes have a connection to each other.

Goals

The goals of epic theatre are to encourage the audience to think critically, make judgements and act while the goals of dramatic theatre are to provide entertainment, and emotionally engage the audience.

Conclusion

The main difference between epic theatre and dramatic theatre is that epic theatre has a non-linear narrative, while dramatic theatre has a linear narrative. Moreover, the goal of epic theatre is to encourage the audience to think critically, make judgements and act while the goal of dramatic theatre is to provide entertainment, and emotionally engage the audience.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Lake Tahoe Shakespeare “Twelfth Night” 25-07-2011 actors 2″ By DimiTalen – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

Image Courtesy:

1. “Epic Theatre – Epic Theatre and Brecht – GCSE Drama Revision.” BBC News, BBC, Available here.