Question

The "theatre of the fourth wall removed" refers to the central convention of realism that

the human animal is seen to be like a rat in a maze, bound by the strictures of four symbolic walls: society, family, or economics.
the stage was conceived to be the same as life in a real-world setting except that, in the case of the stage, one wall—the proscenium opening—had been removed.
the "fourth wall" of the mind creates a frame around human experience just as a fourth wall completes a room.
the three walls of Marxist economics, Darwinian biological determinism, and Freudian psychological determinism leave the fourth wall of political oppression absent.

Answer 1

The 'theatre of the fourth wall removed' concept in theatrical realism allows audiences to see a reflection of real life on stage through a metaphorical fourth wall, with the possibility of breaking this barrier for various dramatic effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term "theatre of the fourth wall removed" refers to a concept in realism within the theatre where the stage acts as a mirror of reality, offering a window into human behavior. In a proscenium theatre, this is achieved with the arch serving as the frame through which the audience views the play, creating the illusion of the fourth wall. Realistic theatre, introduced in the mid to late 19th Century, uses scenery, costumes, and performances to closely reflect society. This adherence to realism forms a psychological barrier, the fourth wall, that maintains the divide between audience and performance. However, this convention can be broken, as in the case of Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed or when aspects of the technical production are visible to the audience, such as in a thrust stage setting.

While theatre offers an escape from the real world, the environment also plays a critical role in maintaining the illusion. Distractions such as noise or a ringing phone can remind the audience they are simply observers. Theatre also often tackles complex and taboo topics, prompting the audience to consider multiple perspectives within the safety of a metaphorical performance. Ultimately, the intention of realism in theatre is to provoke thought and emotion, and whether the fourth wall is maintained or broken, the audience's experience is profound and potentially transformative.