THEATRE OF THE ABSURD

Theatre of the Absurd was a term coined by theatre critic Martin Esslin. He saw a play in the late 1950s that brought to stage the theory of the French philosopher Albert Camus that essentially says the "human condition is meaningless."

Because we cannot know or rationally explain the universe, we must "ultimately be seen as absurd.”

Esslin then went on to use this term to define any play which held traits of Esslin's purpose. A number of playwrights fit into this category; however, there are five defining ones.

Eugene Ionesco Samuel Beckett Jean Genet Arthur Adamov Harold Pinter

Each is a founding father of Absurdist theatre, yet each is extremely original in his work.

Although not all of these playwrights were French, Theatre of The Absurd is considered a French movement, that later bled into other countries and cultures.

There are no rules or restrictions for Absurdist Theatre. It is common for these plays to be minimal in all things. Sometimes there is only one character, no spoken words, no communication to the audience, and no set or visuals...

“Chairs”, by Eugene Ionesco is called a “tragic-farce.” There is no dialogue, but simply an 80 minute production of a character carrying chairs onto the stage until it is filled.

The Happiest Place on Earth A Play by Meg K.

Two characters will be on stage: A man dressed always in a suit and a woman who is wearing only an apron and always holding a baby.

The man repeats a series of routine actions The man repeats a series of routine actions. He adjusts his tie, straightens his suit, stretches out his hand for his briefcase, kisses his wife on the forehead saying “Have a great day honey”, and then leaves. The wife is not to move. She holds out her ring hand, while holding the baby in the other.

The husband “comes back from work”, and onto the stage The husband “comes back from work”, and onto the stage. He sets down his briefcase saying, “Isn’t America wonderful!” The wife only says “More, more, more.” The husband hands the wife another baby, while placing a bigger diamond on her finger. This process is continued so that the wife’s hand is piled high and weighed down until she is lying on the floor. The babies will be held and surround her. She will lie still, with just her ring hand extended out from her body.

Characters

Costumes and Props