브레히트 서사극 이론의 동시대적 수용: 공연형식과 배우의 역할을 중심으로

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the historical significance and characteristics of Brecht's Epic theory, and consider new possibilities with concrete examples of how it can be effectively re-adapted in the process of contemporary theatre making, rather than a fixed theory. In the age of fascism in Germany, the Epic theory founded by Bertolt Brecht suggested a different perspective on theatre than Aristotle's Poetics, which was the dominant theatre ideology at that time. In other words, it was not intended to create empathy and catharsis for the audience, but to induce critical reflection on the is- sues the theatre deals with by attempting to create distance through the alienation effect. In addition, in the Epic theory, it was argued that the actor's role should not be limited to imitation and re- production of the character in the process of creating theatre, but that the actor's subjective atti- tude(Haltung) and opinion should be actively reflected in the work. Brecht's Epic theory still has a huge influence on the contemporary theatre world, but the funda- mental purpose of it cannot be achieved by schematically applying it to the creative process.『Namsan Documenta-Practice of Theatre: Theater Edition』(2014) and 『Killing Time』(2017) show the realization of a contemporary alienation effect through formal experiments on the structure in which actors au- tonomously participate in the creative process and its presentation. It deserves to be regarded as an example of a creative re-adaptation of the theory. It is believed that this was possible because of the keen introspection on the inter -relationship between theatre and reality, which the Epic Theory was fundamentally speculated about, and the bold experimentation of the form that agonized over new communication with the audience.