Post-World War I

Definition

Post-World War I refers to the period following the end of World War I in 1918, characterized by profound social, political, and cultural changes. This era saw a response to the horrors of war, leading to new artistic movements, particularly Expressionism, which sought to convey emotional experiences rather than physical reality. The disillusionment felt by many in society prompted artists and playwrights to explore themes of alienation, trauma, and the absurdity of existence, making it a pivotal time for modernist theatre.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Post-World War I saw significant shifts in societal attitudes, with many questioning traditional values and norms due to the war's devastation.
2. The emotional impact of World War I led to a focus on internal psychological states in art and theatre, a hallmark of Expressionism.
3. Many playwrights during this time used theatre as a means to express feelings of despair, chaos, and alienation resulting from the war.
4. The disillusionment with reality post-war resulted in a move away from naturalism towards more stylized and abstract forms of expression in theatre.
5. This period laid the groundwork for future theatrical movements like Dadaism and the Theatre of the Absurd, both of which further explored themes of absurdity and existentialism.

Review Questions

• How did the aftermath of World War I influence the themes present in Expressionist theatre?
  • The aftermath of World War I greatly influenced Expressionist theatre by fostering an environment filled with disillusionment and trauma. Artists began to focus on conveying emotional truths rather than realistic portrayals. This shift led to themes of alienation, despair, and the absurdity of human existence being prevalent in many plays, reflecting society's struggle to make sense of the chaos brought about by war.
• In what ways did Post-World War I cultural shifts challenge traditional forms of theatre?
  • Post-World War I cultural shifts challenged traditional forms of theatre by rejecting realism and embracing abstraction. The emotional turmoil experienced by individuals led playwrights to experiment with new narrative styles and staging techniques. This rejection of conventional storytelling paved the way for Expressionism, Dadaism, and eventually the Theatre of the Absurd, which pushed boundaries and questioned established norms within theatrical performance.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Post-World War I artistic movements on contemporary theatre practices.
  • The lasting impact of Post-World War I artistic movements on contemporary theatre practices is profound. Movements like Expressionism and Dadaism introduced innovative techniques that continue to influence modern playwrights and directors. Themes such as existential dread, fragmented narratives, and non-linear storytelling have become staples in contemporary works. Additionally, the exploration of psychological depth in characters can be traced back to this period, demonstrating how post-war sentiments reshaped artistic expression in lasting ways.

Related terms

Expressionism:

A modernist movement that emerged in the early 20th century, focusing on representing emotional experiences rather than realistic depictions of life.

Dadaism:

An avant-garde art movement that emerged as a reaction against the horrors of World War I, characterized by absurdity and anti-art sentiments.

Theatre of the Absurd: A post-World War II theatrical movement that emphasized illogical situations and nonsensical dialogue to reflect the existential crises of modern life.