Der ideale Zuschauer in den theatertheoretischen Konzeptionen von Johann Christoph Gottsched und Bertolt Brecht (German text)

In this thesis I examine a specific approach to the writings of Gottsched and Brecht on the theory of theater from a particular perspective. I maintain that behind their articulations on theatrical theory, it is possible to identify assumptions about their ideal audience. By examining and comparing the characteristics of these two distinct ideals, much can be revealed about their respective historical contexts and philosophical foundations. Although they belong to quite different eras, each writer believes his theater breaks, in theory and practice, with tradition, a tradition which grew out of the ancient Greek dramatological writings. Each also believes in the role of theater as an educational institution; in this Gottsched and Brecht closely resemble one another. Their theater not only presents a world in which moral questions are posed but also requires the participation of its audience through active and critical observation. The similarities and differences of these two concepts of the theater can be seen not only in their writing but also in the historical results of their work. In a sense, Gottsched's and Brecht's real audiences fell short of their ideal projections, and for this reason their works do not have the effect that they anticipated. While one can say that they failed in practice, their ideas remain milestones in theater theory.