Theatertheorie

Theatertheorie, the German term for theatre theory, refers to the interdisciplinary inquiry into the nature, function, and representation of theatrical performance. It emerged in the 19th century as scholars began to apply systematic methods to the analysis of drama, blending literary criticism with philosophy, sociology, and psychology. Early contributors such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller examined the ethical and aesthetic dimensions of drama, while later thinkers drew on the works of Aristotle, particularly his Poetics, to establish foundational principles of plot, character, and catharsis.

Key concepts in Theatertheorie include die Zwecktheorie (purposive theory), which addresses the communicative intention behind a play; die Texttheorie (textual theory), which treats the script as a primary object of analysis; and die Performativität (performative) concept, emphasizing the embodied enactment of text. Contemporary theorists such as Richard Schechner and Jürgen Habermas have extended the field to include performance studies and communicative action, respectively, integrating theatre into broader social and cultural contexts.

Notable German theorists also comprise Hans-Thies Lehmann, who developed staging theory; and Daniel P. Williams, who explored the dramaturgy of playwriting. Theatertheorie continues to influence theatre practice, education, and criticism, providing analytic tools that examine both text and production. Its influence extends beyond Europe, impacting international dramaturgical methods and shaping modern theatre practice through research on audience reception, gender representation, and digital performance.