Books matching: absurdist theater
8 result(s)
- #1
Save:The Dead Father by Donald Barthelme is a strange and surreal novel that takes readers on a journey through a dreamscape land of mythology and unconscious desires. The story revolves around the Dead Father, a once godlike creature reduced to impotent acts of meaningless violence as his followers drag him across the land on a final quest. Barthelme uses a variety of stylistic tricks to examine and satirize the myth of fatherhood, creating a narrative that is often tough going but with flashes of brilliance. The book lacks a traditional plot or character development, focusing more on bizarre and humorous elements that challenge readers' expectations.
The Dead Father is described as a funny and curious little novel that is worth the attention of readers familiar with Barthelme's unique fictional world. Despite its lack of traditional storytelling elements, the book offers moments of humor, wordplay, and wacky sentence structures that can elicit smiles from readers. While the writing showcases Barthelme's talent and skill, some readers find the book lacking in compelling narrative and descriptive writing, ultimately leaving them bored with the lack of fully fleshed characters and plot.
- #2
Save:Alfred Jarry's 'Ubu Roi' is a satirical and absurdist play that tells the story of Ubu's rise to power as he leads a revolution, kills the King of Poland, heavily taxes the people, and faces opposition from the nobles and the Tsar of Russia. The play is known for its offensiveness, vulgarity, and deliberate shock value, challenging societal norms and values. The language used in the play is a unique mix of slang, code words, puns, and near gutter vocabulary, set to strange speech patterns, creating a whimsical and nonsensical atmosphere that is both funny and thought-provoking.
SCENE I [Poland — that is to say, nowhere.] PAPA TURD, MAMA TURD PAPA TURD. Pshit ! MAMA TURD. Oh ! that’s a fine thing. What a pig you are, Papa Turd ! PAPA TURD. Watch out I don’t kill you, Mama Tur... - #3
Save:"Rhinoceros" by Eugene Ionesco is an absurdist play that explores the theme of conformity versus individuality in a society. The story revolves around people turning into rhinoceri and causing chaos in an urban area. Through humorous and absurd situations, the author delves into the implications of societal pressure, examining how individuals react and conform to the norms around them. The play is set in a small French town, and as characters succumb to fitting in and following a fad, the protagonist, Bérenger, stands as a symbol of resistance against losing his individuality.
The writing style of "Rhinoceros" is described as skillful and adept by readers, permeating with themes that provoke thought and reflection. The play touches on the rise of communism and the assimilation of individuals into societal standards, addressing the confusion and wonder that arise when people abandon their principles to conform. Despite being categorized as part of the Theater of the Absurd, the play is praised for its universal relevance in portraying the pressures individuals face in any society, making it a thought-provoking and engaging read.
Six Characters in Search of an Author by Luigi Pirandello is a groundbreaking play that delves into the complexities of reality and illusion. The story follows six characters who interrupt a play rehearsal and demand that their unfinished story be completed and performed. Through philosophical dialogues and thought-provoking interactions, the characters challenge the notions of existence, identity, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality. Pirandello's writing style captivates readers with its exploration of existential themes and the theatrical conventions that shape our understanding of life and art.
The spectators will find the curtain raised and the stage as it usually is during the day time. It will be half dark, and empty, so that from the beginning the public may have the impression of an imp...- #5
Save:The Visit by Friedrich Durrenmatt is a dark comedy play that delves into themes of justice, betrayal, power, wealth, and poverty. The story revolves around Clare Zachanassian, a woman who returns to her destitute hometown as the richest woman in the world, seeking revenge on her former lover, Alfred Ill. As the town faces the moral dilemma of sacrificing their principles for financial gain, the play unfolds with a mix of comedy and tragedy, showcasing the absurdity and hypocrisy of human nature.
Durrenmatt's writing style in The Visit is described as rich, dramatic, and thought-provoking. The play cleverly explores societal issues through a blend of dark humor and deep introspection, challenging readers to contemplate the corruptibility of justice, the power dynamics between the wealthy and the common people, and the moral choices individuals make in the face of adversity.
- #6
Save:The Piano Lesson by August Wilson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play that delves into the complexities of family heritage, ownership, and the ghosts of the past. Set in the 1930s, the story revolves around a family heirloom piano that becomes the center of a dispute between siblings, Boy Willie and Berniece. The play explores themes of African American identity, the impact of historical oppression, and the struggle to preserve memory in a changing world. Wilson's writing style is praised for its vibrant characters, realistic dialogue, and poetic elements that bring the story to life.
(Also, see 41 recommendations for the series The Century Cycle ) - #7
Save:'The Lieutenant of Inishmore' by Martin McDonagh is a dark comedy play set in rural Ireland, filled with absurd and violent humor. The plot involves dead cats, IRA splinter groups, teenagers with air rifles, and a dose of madness that creates a uniquely entertaining experience for the audience. McDonagh's writing style blends dark humor with unexpected twists and turns, turning uncomfortable laughter into poignant revelations that challenge the audience's perceptions.
A cottage on Inishmore circa 1993. Front door in centre of back wall, a window to its left and right. Exit stage left to a bathroom, unseen, an open area forward right to signify another room. A clock... - #8
Save:'The Physicists' by Friedrich Durrenmatt revolves around a plot where three institutionalized physicists, each believing themselves to be famous scientists like Einstein, Newton, and King Solomon, meet in an asylum. As the story unfolds, a series of murders occur, bringing them to the attention of the local police. The play delves into the blurred lines between sanity and madness, raising questions about the responsibility of scientists to society and the consequences of unchecked scientific pursuits. Durrenmatt's writing style combines elements of metaphysical and absurd themes, creating a satirical, dark, and twisted narrative that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.
