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Theatre Arts for Advanced Secondary Schools

theatre of the absurd is featured by its loss of meaning and function, thus creating
misunderstanding among the characters. Unorganised narration and speeches
are what make theatre of the absurd distinct. A prime example of theatre of the
absurd play is Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett. The following excerpt
from Samuel Beckett’s play offers an example of language, structure, character,
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characterisation, actions and theme of the theatre of the absurd.

Two men, Vladimir and Estragon, meet near a tree. They enter into conversation
on various topics and reveal that they are waiting there for a man named Godot.
While they wait, two other men enter. Pozzo is on his way to the market to sell
his slave, Lucky. He pauses for a while to converse with Vladimir and Estragon.
Lucky entertains them by dancing then Pozzo and Lucky leaves. After Pozzo
and Lucky leaves, a boy enters and tells Vladimir that he is a messenger from
Godot. He tells Vladimir that Godot will not be coming tonight, but that he will
surely come tomorrow. Vladimir asks him some questions about Godot and
the boy departs. After his departure, Vladimir and Estragon decide to leave,
but they do not move as the curtain falls. The following night, Vladimir and
Estragon once again meet near the tree to wait for Godot. Lucky and Pozzo
enter again, but this time Pozzo is blind and Lucky is dumb. Pozzo does not
recall of whether the two men met the night before. They leave and Vladimir
and Estragon continue to wait. Shortly after, the boy enters and once again
tells Vladimir that Godot will not come. Pozzo maintains that he did not speak
to Vladimir yesterday. After he leaves, Estragon and Vladimir decide to leave,
but again they do not move. When the curtain closes, they are seen still waiting.

Features of theatre of the absurd
(a) Absurdity: The movement portrays the senselessness and irrationality
of human existence. Characters often find themselves in bizarre or
nonsensical situations, highlighting the absurdity of life.

(b) Non-linear narrative: Plays of the theatre of the absurd typically lack
a clear linear plot. Instead, they may consist of disorganised scenes or
repetitive actions that contribute to the overall sense of confusion and
disorientation.

(c) Illogical language: The dialogue in absurdist plays may be repetitive,
fragmented or sometimes lacking conventional meaning. Language used
should not necessarily convey information, but reflect the characters’

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