"Above all, in comedy, and again and again since classical times, passages can be found in which the level of representation is interrupted by references to the spectators or to the fictive nature of the play"
- Paul Watzlawick
About this Quote
This quote by Paul Watzlawick talks to the power of comedy and its ability to break the 4th wall. Funny has actually been utilized since classical times to refer to the audience or to the fictive nature of the play. This is done to develop a sense of connection between the audience and the entertainers, as well as to draw attention to the reality that the play is a work of fiction. By breaking the fourth wall, the audience is reminded that they are viewing an efficiency which the characters are not genuine people. This can be used to create a sense of humor and to make the audience laugh. It can likewise be used to make a point or to draw attention to a specific concern. Funny is a powerful tool that can be used to make a declaration or to develop a connection in between the audience and the entertainers.