This blog is operated by Allison Sandefur, a senior high school student in Advanced Placement Literature and Composition. The purpose of its existence is (aside from allowing me to rant about my emotions for fictional characters) to draw connections between an absurdist piece of literature and an absurdist film for the course's final project.
What is "Theatre of the Absurd?"
Theatre of the Absurd is a term coined for a certain movement in art towards themes of philosophy that entailed life having no meaning and communication having no point. Some of the forerunners and notable members of the movement include Jean Genet (The Maids, 1947), Samuel Beckett (Waiting for Godot, January 1953), and Eugene Ionesco (Rhinoceros, 1959).
Some common elements found in this genre include:
Some common elements found in this genre include:
- Lack of distinct plot/story, from objective viewpoint, nothing really happens
- Dialogue is nonsensical and often repetitive
- Features some kind of philosophical theme, message, conflict, etc.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatre_of_the_Absurd
Who is Tom Stoppard?
Sir Tom Stoppard, born in 1937, is the author of Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead.
As a prolific writer, some of his other works include Arcadia, The Coast of Utopia, and Professional Foul, along with a variety of co-written screenplays.
Stoppard has won four Tony Awards and one Academy Award for his works, and his writing often reflect on philosophical themes, much like those found in Ros & Guil are Dead.
As a prolific writer, some of his other works include Arcadia, The Coast of Utopia, and Professional Foul, along with a variety of co-written screenplays.
Stoppard has won four Tony Awards and one Academy Award for his works, and his writing often reflect on philosophical themes, much like those found in Ros & Guil are Dead.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Stoppard
More resources for the inquiring mind:
- Find out more about Absurdism
- Full online PDF of Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead
- Film adaptation of the play (Youtube playlist)
- Relationship between Ros & Guil are Dead and Hamlet