Absurdism commonly associated with existialism

19^th century origins - Soren Kierkegaard (linked with the idea that religion was seen at times as absurd because it could not be justified on rational principles, a leap of faith)

Heidegger and Sarte described the human consciousness as dealing with an absurd world (juxtaposition of Being and Nothingness, a bafflement of the meaninglessness of the human condition)

Sarte's ideas of absurdity, anguish and disgust witnessed in his plays and novels

Other existentialists - Albert Camus, Karl Jaspers, Gabriel Marcel

The theatre of the Absurd - literature emerged in Paris in the late 1940's and early 50's: Arrabel, Beckett, Genet, Ionesco, Tardieu

Origins found in the allegorical morality plays of the Middle Ages, religious dramas of baroque Spain, nonsensical novels of writers like Lewis Carroll, dream plays of Strindberg and dream novels of James Joyce and Franz Kafka, grotesque drama of Alfred Jarry

Forerunners - Dada movement and surrealism of the 1920's and 30's

Ideas: the explanation of the universe was beyond its reach

Poetic metaphor as a means of projecting inner thoughts; images of fantasy, dream and nightmare

Roughly translated as the comedy of professional skill; originated in Italy in the middle of the 16^th century and has flourished since then

Also called the 'the comedy of masks'; performers wore half masks (excluding the servant Columbina): exaggerated and stylistic characteristics

Posture became very important given the mask hid most of the face

An improvised form of comedy, a cast of 'fixed' characters falling into categories, lovers, servants, masters, a small number of separate characters (these were all caricatured representation)

Depicted social types - dramatised representations of specific social groups or provinces in Italy

Attitudes and functions that reflect their place in the social scheme

Associated with different dialects and social backgrounds

Pantalone - the wealthy Venetian merchant, a satiric character comically exposing his foolish behaviour - a greedy miser, lustful and cunning but at times impulsive; represents obstruction to the younger lovers usually one of which is his daughter

Dottore - doctor of medicine or law but claims expertise in all areas; represents a comical satire on learned men and showing off; confused lecturing in Latin and Greek

Stage business know as 'lazzi' and 'burla' ; trickery, clever dialogue

Capitano ; a satire on mercenaries who served in large numbers in Italy in the 15^th and 15^th centuries; often held in contempt by the common people; he is often boasting but is really a coward; is a show off with his swaggering military costume and sword play

Provided conflict with the masters and provide much of the comedy and action of Commedia; they never lose even when treated badly by their masters; expose foolishness of their masters

Arlecchino one of the best known, an athletic and charming character in his diamond shaped patched costume; known as the 'cat' for his movements and mask shape

Brighella paired with Arlecchino; is cunning, cynical and unscrupulous

Colombina, often Pantalone's daughter she is often the love interest of Arlecchino; she is a no nonsense character who traditionally keeps the scenario moving along; is outspoken and good hearted and generally friendly to everyone

Given a variety of names but often Isabella and Lelio; caricatures of social types and embody true romantic love

Provide both romance and comedy to any scenario and often mocked the older masked characters