Final answer:
The modernist theater style that depicts the psychological state of characters through fantastic settings and unconventional stage elements is Expressionism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The style of modernist theater that attempts to represent the inner psychological state of characters, often using fantastic settings and stage elements, is known as Expressionism. This theatrical movement prioritize the depiction of emotional experiences and internal struggles, sometimes reacting to societal alienation or to the formation of personal identity. Unlike Realism and Naturalism, which focus on the mundane and gritty aspects of everyday life and social issues, respectively, Expressionism distorts reality to reflect the subjective experience of characters. The use of avant-garde and novel materials to create distorted and innovative stage designs helps convey a profound psychological depth.
Famous playwright Tennessee Williams, often associated with poetic realism, incorporated expressionistic elements into his plays. Through exaggerated settings, evocative lighting, and symbolic use of music, Williams created mood over materiality, and his characterizations delve into the struggles of individuals at odds with their surroundings and themselves.