Elmer Rice

Definition

Elmer Rice was an American playwright, director, and novelist known for his influential works that contributed to the development of expressionism in theatre. His most notable play, 'The Adding Machine,' showcases the alienation and mechanization of modern life, embodying the themes of expressionism by focusing on the emotional experience over realism. Rice's innovative approach helped pave the way for future playwrights who sought to challenge traditional forms and explore deeper psychological themes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Elmer Rice was born in 1882 and was a prominent figure in American theatre during the early 20th century, influencing both expressionism and modernist theatre.
2. His play 'The Adding Machine' premiered in 1923 and is considered one of the first American plays to embody expressionist elements.
3. Rice experimented with various theatrical techniques, such as innovative staging and non-linear narratives, to enhance emotional impact.
4. He was a vocal advocate for social change, often using his plays to critique contemporary societal issues, particularly those related to capitalism and industrialization.
5. Rice's legacy includes not only his plays but also his role as a critic of the theatre industry, where he championed new voices and ideas in the face of commercial pressures.

Review Questions

• How did Elmer Rice's work contribute to the development of expressionism in theatre?
  • Elmer Rice's work significantly contributed to expressionism by exploring themes of alienation and the impact of modernity on the human experience. His play 'The Adding Machine' exemplifies this by focusing on characters' emotional struggles in a mechanized world, prioritizing their internal states over realistic portrayals. This approach encouraged other playwrights to explore similar themes, moving away from traditional realism toward a more expressive form of storytelling.
• Discuss how 'The Adding Machine' reflects the core principles of expressionism and its critique of society.
  • 'The Adding Machine' reflects core principles of expressionism through its focus on emotional experiences and the absurdity of modern life. The protagonist, Mr. Zero, faces obsolescence in an increasingly mechanized world, symbolizing broader societal fears about losing individuality in a capitalist society. By employing non-linear storytelling and stylized dialogue, Rice effectively critiques the dehumanizing effects of industrialization while inviting audiences to confront their own existential anxieties.
• Evaluate Elmer Rice's impact on modern American theatre and how his works influenced subsequent playwrights.
  • Elmer Rice had a lasting impact on modern American theatre by breaking away from conventional narrative structures and promoting thematic depth in storytelling. His embrace of expressionism encouraged future playwrights like Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller to explore complex emotional landscapes and societal critiques in their works. By challenging traditional forms and advocating for innovation within the industry, Rice helped shape a more dynamic theatrical landscape that continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.

Related terms

Expressionism: An artistic movement that seeks to represent emotional experience rather than physical reality, often through distorted imagery and exaggerated forms.

The Adding Machine: A groundbreaking play by Elmer Rice that critiques the dehumanizing effects of industrialization through the story of Mr. Zero, a calculator operator who confronts his own obsolescence.

Modernism: A broad cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break from traditional forms and an exploration of new artistic expressions.