Existentialism

Definition

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. It explores the idea that individuals must create meaning in their own lives amidst an inherently meaningless or absurd universe. This concept connects deeply with themes of absurdity, the human condition, and the struggle for authenticity, all of which are central to the exploration of identity and existence in various forms of theater.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existentialism emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with key figures like Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche laying its groundwork.
2. In absurdist drama, existentialist themes often manifest through characters facing a lack of purpose, such as in Samuel Beckett's 'Waiting for Godot,' where time and existence are questioned.
3. Major playwrights like Ionesco and Pinter use existentialist ideas to portray characters trapped in meaningless situations, highlighting the absurdity of human life.
4. The Living Theatre embraces existentialism by challenging traditional narratives and encouraging audiences to confront their own existence and social realities.
5. Common techniques in absurdist plays, such as non-linear storytelling and illogical dialogue, reflect existentialist ideas by presenting a chaotic reality that mirrors life's unpredictability.

Review Questions

• How does existentialism influence the themes presented in absurdist drama?
  • Existentialism deeply influences absurdist drama by framing characters' struggles against a backdrop of meaninglessness. In many absurdist works, characters confront the futility of their actions and the search for purpose in a chaotic world. This reflects existentialist thought, where individuals must navigate their existence without clear direction or understanding of their purpose.
• In what ways do major playwrights like Beckett and Ionesco incorporate existentialist concepts into their works?
  • Beckett and Ionesco incorporate existentialist concepts by creating characters who grapple with isolation, despair, and the quest for meaning. For example, Beckett's 'Waiting for Godot' illustrates the existential dilemma of waiting for something that may never arrive, while Ionesco's 'The Bald Soprano' portrays absurd conversations that highlight the breakdown of communication and meaning. Their works challenge audiences to confront the absurd nature of existence itself.
• Evaluate how the Living Theatre reflects existentialist philosophy through its experimental approach to performance.
  • The Living Theatre reflects existentialist philosophy by using experimental performance techniques to challenge traditional storytelling and engage audiences in self-reflection. By breaking down barriers between actors and spectators, it emphasizes the importance of personal experience and authenticity. This aligns with existentialist ideas that advocate for individual freedom and the necessity of creating one's own meaning, prompting audiences to reconsider their own existence in an unpredictable world.

Related terms

Absurdism:

A philosophy that argues human beings exist in a purposeless, chaotic universe, leading to the conflict between humans' desire for meaning and the indifferent universe.

Alienation: The feeling of being disconnected or estranged from oneself or society, often explored in existentialist works as individuals grapple with their identity.

Authenticity: The quality of being true to oneself and one's values, central to existentialist thought where individuals seek to live genuinely in a world that often imposes external meanings.