THEATER ABSURD Meaning and
Definition
-
Theater of the absurd refers to a genre of experimental drama that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by its unconventional and illogical elements. The term was coined by the French philosopher and playwright Albert Camus in his 1942 essay, "The Myth of Sisyphus," and was further popularized by the works of playwrights like Samuel Beckett, Eugène Ionesco, and Jean Genet.
The theater of the absurd challenges traditional notions of plot, character development, and logical consistency. Instead, it emphasizes the existentialist philosophy that human existence is inherently absurd, devoid of meaning, and marked by a sense of futility. The plays often depict characters trapped in surreal and repetitive situations that reflect the absurdity and senselessness of life.
The themes explored in theater of the absurd include the breakdown of communication, the absurdity of human relationships, the absurdity of social conventions, and the human struggle for identity and meaning in a chaotic world. The language used in this form of theater is often fragmented, repetitive, and devoid of logical coherence, further enhancing the overall sense of confusion and absurdity.
The theater of the absurd strives to disrupt conventional theatrical forms and challenge the audience's preconceived notions about narrative structure and meaning. It seeks to present a bleak but thought-provoking portrayal of human existence, highlighting the contradictions and irrationality embedded in our daily lives.
Common Misspellings for THEATER ABSURD
- rheater absurd
- fheater absurd
- gheater absurd
- yheater absurd
- 6heater absurd
- 5heater absurd
- tgeater absurd
- tbeater absurd
- tneater absurd
- tjeater absurd
- tueater absurd
- tyeater absurd
- thwater absurd
- thsater absurd
- thdater absurd
- thrater absurd
- th4ater absurd
- th3ater absurd
- thezter absurd
- thester absurd
Etymology of THEATER ABSURD
The term "Theatre of the Absurd" does not have a direct etymology as it is a descriptive phrase coined by the critic Martin Esslin in his 1961 book "Theatre of the Absurd". However, it can be broken down to understand its origins.
1. Theatre: The word "theatre" comes from the ancient Greek word "theatron", which means "a place for viewing". It refers to a space where performances, including plays, take place.
2. Absurd: The word "absurd" originates from the Latin word "absurdus", meaning "out of tune", "irrational", or "contrary to reason". It suggests something that is illogical, nonsensical, or lacking meaning and purpose.
Combining these two terms, "Theatre of the Absurd" refers to a specific theater movement that emerged in the mid-20th century.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
