Absurd theatre

Theatre of the Absurd, dramatic work of certain European and American dramatists of the 1950s and early '60s who agreed with the Existentialist philosopher Albert Camus's assessment, in his essay 'The Myth of Sisyphus,' that the human situation is essentially absurd, devoid of purpose.

Techniques used:

• Circular plots. Often plays will start and end in a similar scene. This is because in absurd theatre nothing really happens, there is no development of characters or the plot, therefore circular plots help illustrate that nothing happens. This then uncovers the purposeless in life.
• Nonsensical dialogue. Dialogues that make no sense and have no meaning are, if not the most, important aspects of Absurd theatre. This also helps show the absurdity in life and that there is no meaning to it.
• Minimalistic staging. Absurdist plays often feature minimalistic staging and unconventional character development, reinforcing the themes of isolation and existential uncertainty.

Characteristics of absurd theatre:

• Questioning existence.
• Distrusting language
• Featuring illogical plots and dialogues.
• Absurd theatre focuses not on logical acts, realistic assurances, or traditional character development, instead focuses on humans being trapped in incomprehensible situations and worlds.

Plays featuring absurd theatre:

• Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead - Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is a play by Tom Stoppard that explores themes of existentialism, the randomness of life, and the nature of identity. The story focuses on two minor characters from Shakespeare's Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, who are tasked with spying on Hamlet by the king. The play follows them as they struggle to make sense of their existence, often caught in absurd, circular conversations and situations.

  The central themes of the play include the randomness of events (often symbolized through the repeated coin-flipping scene, where heads always appear), the lack of control the characters have over their fates, and the feeling of being trapped in an inevitable narrative—since they exist in the shadow of Hamlet and are unaware of their ultimate fate. The play is a darkly comic meditation on the absurdity of life and the human desire for meaning in an indifferent universe.

• Waiting for Godot - Waiting for Godot is a play by Samuel Beckett that is often considered one of the most important works of the 20th century. It is a seminal example of the Theatre of the Absurd, a movement that emphasizes the meaningless and absurdity of human existence. The play revolves around two main characters, Vladimir and Estragon, who are waiting for a mysterious figure named Godot. They stand by a tree, engage in repetitive conversations, and struggle with their uncertain circumstances, all the while hoping that Godot will come and provide them with answers or a sense of purpose.

  Throughout the play, there is no clear indication of who or what Godot actually is, and whether or not he will ever arrive. The characters' waiting becomes a metaphor for human existence—an endless search for meaning or salvation, even though the search might be futile or hopeless. In their waiting, Vladimir and Estragon pass the time with futile actions, such as trying to remove Estragon's boots or debating philosophical questions. Their interactions are often absurd, funny, and repetitive, highlighting the lack of any real progress or resolution in their lives.