The V Effect

Something that was clearly of great importance in Brecht's approach to theatre is the relationship and perception of his audience towards his work. With Brecht's work being largely based around the themes and issues of a more commonly a much wider moral message, it was key for his audience to question what was before them as opposed to finding themselves emotionally invested in the characters. In an attempt to distance the audience as much as possible from doing this, Brecht used what is know as Epic Theatre. The intended purpose of this was to break the fourth wall (the imaginary wall between the actors and audience which keeps them as observers) and in doing so allowing the audience members to remain interested and engaged throughout with a more intellectual outlook on the happenings. Methods such as the use of narration, direct address, coming out of character and placards where implemented within his shows, taking away from the audiences suspense of not knowing and allowing them to pay attention and really analyse the cause of the results instead.

All these techniques had the effect of distancing the audience from emotional involvement in Brecht's theatre and has lead to what we now know as The V Effect.