That's Absurd

Though we have moved a bit away from the technical aspect of theater, our class is now a bit more involved in the entire process of set design with respect to our school's coming spring musical, Fiddler on the Roof. As we were prompted to look over past productions of Fiddler, I believe I somewhat misinterpreted the assignment. In actuality, my teacher was hoping more for a middle-ground between inspiration and past productions. I seem to have forgotten about the inspiration portion of the assignment, basing all my research solely on the work of other schools and companies. From my own particular research, I found a Variety article on a production of Fiddler at The Savoy Theater by far the most interesting. Apparently the most traditional way to stage Fiddler is on a revolve, something that I would never have fathomed before. During our discussion of minute set details for the show, my teacher commented upon the differences between the stage and movie versions of Fiddler. While watching the movie for set ideas, Ms. Karr was able to notice that the bed Tevye and his wife share is actually comprised of two separate twin beds that have been pushed together. This minor detail speaks volume as it emphasizes the underlying sense of the temporary and ephermal within these characters' lives. Who would have known?

Afterwards, we essentially had a cold reading of Edward Albee's The Sandbox. Though the plot was chillingly harsh and pessimistic, I absolutely loved it. It was refreshing to read something so removed yet connected to such truth. I especially loved the Grandmother's character, such gumption and wit in an older character. But I guess this is just the typical style of the theatre of the absurd. This title designates plays written primarily by European playwrights in the late 1940's, 50's, and 60's, as well as the style of theatre which has evolved from their work. Their work supposedly pays tribute to Albert Camus' philosophy that life is inherently without meaning as illustrated by his novel, The Myth of Sisyphus. Though I have not read this particular novel by Camus, I have had the opportunity to peruse his novel, The Stranger. Meursalt's utter indifference to life, love, and death was ridiculously eye-opening. Anyways, the following four playwrights have been hailed for defining the movement: Samuel Beckett, Eugene Ionesco, Jean Genet, and Arthur Adamov. As World War II erupted, this genre of theater gained popularity as the war highlighted the essential precariousness of human life. It is a tad depressing though...