From Text to Performance: A Lehmannian Study of Postdramatic Strategies in Churchill’s Escape Alone and Stephens’ Light Falls

Traditionally, drama has been characterized by linear narratives and coherent character development. In contrast, postdramatic theater departs from these conventions by integrating fragmented performance modes and emphasizing sensory engagement over plot-driven storytelling. Despite substantial literature on the subject, limited research has investigated how these techniques influence audience engagement. This study addresses that gap by analyzing postdramatic elements in Churchill’s Escape Alone and Stephens’ Light Falls, applying Lehmann’s theoretical framework. Using a descriptive-analytical method, the paper explores how the plays utilize nonlinear storytelling, spatial and auditory disruption, and fragmented structures to reflect contemporary sociopolitical anxieties. This analysis contributes to a nuanced understanding of postdramatic aesthetics and their evolving role in contemporary performance.