THEATRE DE LABSURDE DISSERTATION ABSTRACT

 The Theatre de l'Absurde is a genre of theatre that emerged in the 1950s and is characterized by the use of absurd and illogical elements in order to challenge the audience's expectations and question the notion of rational thought. This dissertation examines the origins and development of the Theatre de l'Absurde, its notable practitioners, and its impact on the theatre industry. Through an analysis of plays by Samuel Beckett, Eugène Ionesco, and other key figures in the movement, this study also explores the themes and techniques commonly found in the genre, such as the use of repetition, the subversion of language, and the exploration of the human condition. Ultimately, this dissertation argues that the Theatre de l'Absurde has had a lasting impact on the way theatre is approached and understood, and continues to be a relevant and provocative force in the world of theatre.

THEATRE DE LABSURDE DISSERTATION ABSTRACT

The Theatre de l'Absurde, or Absurdist Theatre, is a form of theatre that originated in the 1950s and gained widespread popularity in the 1960s. It is characterized by a rejection of traditional narrative and dramatic structure, as well as a focus on the absurdity and meaninglessness of the human condition.

One of the key figures in the development of Absurdist Theatre was the playwright and philosopher Martin Esslin, who coined the term in his book "The Theatre of the Absurd," published in 1961. In this book, Esslin identified a group of playwrights, including Samuel Beckett, Jean Genet, and Eugene Ionesco, who were all writing plays that rejected traditional forms of storytelling and instead focused on the nonsensical and illogical aspects of human experience.

One of the key themes of Absurdist Theatre is the search for meaning in a world that seems inherently meaningless. This is often expressed through the use of absurd and surreal imagery, as well as the use of characters who are struggling to find their place in the world.

Another important aspect of Absurdist Theatre is the rejection of traditional dramatic structure. Instead of following a linear narrative or adhering to traditional notions of character development, Absurdist plays often employ non-linear storytelling and use characters who do not change or evolve over the course of the play.

One of the most famous examples of Absurdist Theatre is Samuel Beckett's play "Waiting for Godot," which follows two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, as they wait for a mysterious figure named Godot who never arrives. The play has no traditional plot or resolution, and the characters remain in the same state of waiting throughout the play.

Absurdist Theatre has had a significant influence on modern theatre, and its themes and techniques continue to be explored by contemporary playwrights and performers. It remains an important and thought-provoking form of artistic expression, challenging audiences to consider the meaning and purpose of their own lives in a world that often seems absurd and meaningless.