The Absurd: This arises from the clash between our desire for significance, clarity, and immortality, and the silent, chaotic reality of the world.

Absurdism is a philosophical perspective that grapples with the fundamental meaninglessness of human existence in an indifferent universe. It emerged prominently in the 20th century, most famously through the works of Albert Camus, who argued that life has no inherent purpose or rational order—yet humans persistently seek meaning, creating an "absurd" conflict.

1. absurdism
a philosophy based on the belief that
the universe is irrational and
meaningless and that the search for
order brings the individual into
conflict with the universe — compare
existentialism

2. Absurdism is like a Ferris Wheel.
The particpants are trapped in a revoling
circle that does not let them evolve into
a better person.

3. Absurdism was born from
Existentialism.
During 1950’s post war Europe,
Existentialism was alive.
Its foundation pushed playwrights
and actors to form Avant Garde
[radical] Theatre productions.
During this time plays were written
that went beyond Avant Garde and
didn’t fit into any specific genre.

4. Martin Esslin defined Theatre of
Absurd in 1961 as theatre that
“Strives to express its sense of the
senselessness of the human condition
and the inadequacy of the rational
approach by the open abandonment
of rational devices and discursive
[rambling] thought."

5. There are only five designated
Theatre of the Absurd Playwrights:
Samuel Beckett of Ireland, the most
well-known
Eugene Ionesco of Romania and
France
Jean Genet of France
Arthur Adamov of Russia
Harold Pinter of England

6. Absurdist Themes
People wanted to find meaning within
life, since the war had ended.
With all of the horrors they had seen,
the Absurdist writing became
relentless and bitter.

7. Theatre of the Absurd Elements:
The Big 6
Departs from realistic characters and
situations.
 Plots are often meaningless.
Time, place and identity are unclear
or confusing.
There is confusing and repetitive
language.

8. Absurdist Theatre…
The experience of the world is never
debated, it is simply presented,
shown in action.
It satirizes a society that is petty and
dishonest.
The setting is abstract. It is based on
what is going on in the characters’
heads.

9. Absurdist Theatre:
It lacks a clear division between
fantasy and fact.
It disrespects time. Time seems to
expand, contract and flipflop as it
pleases.
Language may be repetative and
unusual, but it is the characters
defense against the world.

10. Absurdist Theatre:
It often breaks down the fourth wall
(the actors will interact with the
audience).
It often contains Black Comedy.
It uses silence as a metaphor.
It uses ambiguity.
It explores violence.

11. Samuel Beckett 1906-1989

12. Samuel Beckett
April 12
th
(or 13
th
), 1906 - 1989
Born in Ireland
Enjoyed writing, sports and
languages as a child
Received a degree from Trinity
College in London
Moved to France to write and study

13. After college
Beckett left Trinity because he was
verbally attacked because of his
writing.
Made a living by writing, translating
(because he was fluent in many
languages) and returned home.
Eventually joined the French
resistence and moved to the hills
where he surrived by farming.

14. His Mental Health…
Although an active kid, he was
quoted saying,"I had little talent for
happiness“.
His depression lasted into adulthood.
He refused friendships and had a hard
time talking without drinking.
Women were interested in him but he
stated that he was ‘dead’ and had no
feelings that were human.

15. "Je ne sais pas, Monsieur"
While walking through Paris, Beckett
was stabbed.
After recovering from his ‘deflated’
lung, he visited his attacker in jail.
When asked why he stabbed him, the
inmate responded with, "Je ne sais
pas, Monsieur“.
This became a major influence for
Beckett’s furture works.