Excerpts from: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare (1591) Ubu Roi by Alfred Jarry (1896) The Gas Heart by Tristan Tzara (1923) The Lesson by Eugene Ionesco (1951) No More Masterpieces by Antonin Artaud (1958) Trouble in the Works by Harold Pinter (1959) Styrofoam by Kevin Doyle (2004)
Director's Notes
First off, let me admit that the title and idea for this show was stole from Scott Clare, who directed it when I was camper here back in 1990. Save one piece (The Lesson), this production is a significant departure from the "original." I wanted to take the audience on a tour of what let up to the theatrical movement called "Theatre of the Absurd," including classical, dadaism, surrealism, up through a modern absurdist piece. Absurdism was born out of necessity: long established forms of theatre could no longer contain the pangs of existential angst that the first world war left in its wake. Only the inventive, revolutionary spirit of the Avante Garde movement could support those demands. So, I suppose our show would be more aptly named, "That's Avante Garde!" But let's face it, that just ain't as catchy. Also this compilation deos not pretend to be an exhaustive representation of any movement per se. I must acknowledge Bethany Boles and the cast, who participated in the process of composing this presentation. As a director, I strived to serve the literal function of the title by guiding and integrating the creative impulses of the performers. Other times, however, I just forced the company to realize my blessed artistic vision. Either way, I think the show is pretty good. I hope you will too. Please like me. PLEASE. In any event, it feels food to believe that I'm better than [and here the scan is cut off.]
