Question

Who first proposed the concept of the Theatre of the Absurd?

• A. Samuel Beckett
• B. Martin Esslin
• C. Roger Blin
• D. Albert Camus

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Martin Esslin

Martin Esslin and the Theatre of the Absurd

• Martin Esslin (1918–2002) was a Hungarian-born British theatre critic, academic, and producer for BBC Radio.
• He is widely recognized for coining the term "Theatre of the Absurd" and for his influential work that categorized and analyzed plays sharing a common theme of human existence as meaningless and illogical.

The Concept of Theatre of the Absurd

• The term was first proposed by Esslin in his seminal 1961 book, "The Theatre of the Absurd."
• This theatrical movement emerged primarily in the aftermath of World War II, reflecting a sense of disillusionment, existential angst, and the perceived meaninglessness of life in a world scarred by war and societal upheaval.
• It is deeply rooted in the philosophy of Existentialism, particularly the ideas of Albert Camus's concept of the absurd, where humanity's search for meaning collides with the universe's indifference.

Key Characteristics of the Theatre of the Absurd

• Lack of Coherent Plot: Plays often feature circular plots, no clear beginning or end, and repetitive actions.
• Meaningless Dialogue: Characters engage in illogical, nonsensical, or fragmented conversations, highlighting the breakdown of communication.
• Illogical Events: Absurdist plays frequently present bizarre, dreamlike, or impossible situations, defying conventional reality.
• Static Characters: Characters often lack development, have unclear motivations, or represent archetypes rather than realistic individuals.
• Black Comedy: Humor is frequently used to highlight the bleakness and absurdity of the human condition.
• A Sense of Alienation and Loneliness: Themes of isolation, the futility of human effort, and the impossibility of true connection are prevalent.

Major Playwrights Associated with the Movement

• While Esslin coined the term, the playwrights themselves did not form a conscious movement. They include:
  • Samuel Beckett: Famous for "Waiting for Godot", a quintessential absurdist play.
  • Eugène Ionesco: Known for plays like "The Bald Soprano" and "Rhinoceros."
  • Jean Genet: His works include "The Maids" and "The Balcony."
  • Harold Pinter: Recognized for his distinctive 'Pinteresque' style, marked by pauses and ambiguous dialogue, seen in plays like "The Birthday Party" and "The Homecoming."
  • Edward Albee: An American playwright, known for "The Zoo Story" and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?", often incorporates absurdist elements.