Post-World War II Theatre brought in many more forms of theatre. One such form was called Theatre of the Absurd, which basically is defined by its title – theatre that is not what people would normally expect. It’s unusual, different and, at times…yes, absurd. Of course, it wasn’t just Albert Camus or Samuel Beckett that was writing for this new kind of theatre experience. More traditional writers, like Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams, were taking the same concept and bringing it to their works.
For this journal assignment, read the play Waiting for Godot (a link to both parts is provided below and is also found under the button Readings/Links) or watch the full play on YouTube (link below and also found under Videos/Link) to better understand what this kind oftheatre was all about (i.e. the dialogue, theme or message). It’s absurd alright, but what is it about? Also, view the additional clip – Waiting for Elmo – to see just how influential this play was.
For your journal, answer the following question:
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- what should the audience patron, who is seeing this kind of theatre supposed to think when they leave the theatre? (what is it about? war, humanity, religion?)
- include your own thoughts and interpretations of this new style of theatre
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Create your response, in the Assignment submission box below (not in the Comments field), as a journal or diary entry. The Journal Assignment should be one page long, approximately 350-400 words minimum. Be careful of spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation…proofread and edit your work as necessary. If including another video or internet link, please cite your sources. This assignment will be graded according to the Journal Assignment Rubric (attached).
Waiting for Godot play (parts 1 and 2) – http://Samuel-Beckett.net/Waiting_for_Godot_Part1.html
Waiting for Godot video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wifcyo64n-w
Waiting for Elmo clip – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksL_7WrhWOc
