idegenítés

Idegenítés is a Hungarian term that translates to "estrangement" or "alienation." In literary and artistic contexts, it refers to a technique used to make the familiar seem strange or unfamiliar. The goal is to disrupt the audience's automatic or unthinking perception of the world, encouraging them to look at it with fresh eyes and a more critical understanding. This can be achieved through various means, such as unusual perspectives, unexpected juxtapositions, or by highlighting the artificiality of artistic conventions.

The concept is closely associated with the theories of German playwright and theorist Bertolt Brecht, who developed the idea of Verfremdungseffekt (alienation effect) in his epic theatre. Brecht aimed to prevent the audience from becoming emotionally engrossed in the play, instead urging them to engage with the social and political issues presented in a rational and analytical manner. Idegenítés, therefore, serves as a cognitive tool, prompting a deeper examination of societal norms, power structures, and human behavior by removing the veil of habit and assumption.

In practice, idegenítés can manifest in a character speaking directly to the audience, in the use of songs or placards that comment on the action, or in deliberately theatrical staging. The effect is to remind the spectator that they are watching a performance and that the events depicted are not necessarily inevitable or natural, but rather products of specific social and historical conditions. By breaking the illusion of reality, idegenítés encourages a more conscious and questioning engagement with the subject matter, leading to a potential for social change or personal insight.