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Period: to
Post-World War II European/Absurdist/American Drama (1940-1960)
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"The Flies" by Sartre
Sartre was best known as an existentialist and denied many common beliefs among people. He thought that the actions people take should be determined by their own values, rather than other people's values. In 1943, one of his most popular plays, "The Flies", was written (Brockett). This play was also his first. At the Théâtre de la Cité in 1943, Charles Dullin directed the performance. The décor was done by Georges Adam who after working with the theatre became a sculptor (Ba). -
"Caligula" by Camus
In 1945, Camus wrote "Caligula". "Caligula" was one of his most known plays. He, like Sartre, was an existentialist and believed people should act in accordance with their own values and not others. Camus thought that "existence is absurd" and argued that people should deal with this absurdity by living according to their own standards (Brockett). Basel was one of the theaters that performed the original work (“Only When in Rome?”). The play was directed by Georges Firmy (Comedie). -
"The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams
"The Glass Menagerie" was written by Tennessee Williams in 1945. This is an autobiography where during the play the main character recalls moments from his life and reflects on his feelings of guiltiness from when he abandoned his sister (Brockett). The play premiered in Chicago, but almost closed because of the number of empty seats. In 1945 at the Playhouse Theater, popularity rose of the play. It went on winning many awards and be considered successful on Broadway for Williams (“Tennessee”). -
"All My Sons" by Arthur Miller
Arthur Miller's "All My Sons" was written in 1947. Miller's writings included concepts that tested people's values and morals. In this specific story, a manufacturer knowingly sends malfunctioning airplane parts to be used resulting in their deaths for him to make money (Brockett). This play was first seen on Broadway in New York at the Coronet Theatre in 1947. Director and producer Elia Kazan and producer Harold Clurman helped the play win the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award (“Arthur”). -
"A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams
Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire" first performed in 1947(Brockett). It includes a “Southern belle (who) collides with the dysfunctional marriage of her sweet sister and brutish brother-in-law" (Puchko). Later in the year, it was performed on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre and was directed by Elia Kazan. The scenic design was by Jo Mielziner (The Broadway League). -
Berliner Ensemble established
he Berliner Ensemble was established in East Berlin by Brecht in the year 1949. After the establishment, Brecht's plays began touring in Europe. This spread Brecht's idea of social consciousness (Brockett). The Ensemble was determined to perform according to Brecht's form. This technique of epic theatre was shown through his own works or others who were altered to fit Brecht's style. This also spread ideas across not only Europe, but the United States as well (“Berliner Ensemble”). -
"Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller
"The Death of a Salesman" was written by Arthur Miller in 1949. This story discusses a man who has failed at his job of business and dismisses his happiness to be successful (Brockett). This play won many awards including the Tony Award for the Best Play. It first appeared on Broadway at the Morosco Theatre in 1949. John Gassner had left a review of the play saying, "it is undoubtedly the best American play since A Streetcar Named Desire" (“Legend”). -
"Waiting for Gadot" by Samuel Beckett
Samuel Beckett wrote one of the most important plays in absurdism, "Waiting for Gadot", in 1953. This play has inspired people across the world and made Beckett one of the most famous authors of absurdist drama (Brockett). It first appeared in Paris' Théâtre du Babylone in 1953. After receiving lots of love in Paris, the performance was held in London in 1955 where it received lots of hateful reviews. Years later when the show was put on Broadway, the show become a success (Byron). -
"The Crucible" by Arthur Miller
Arthur Miller wrote "The Crucible" in 1953. This play rewrites the Salem Witch trials while symbolizing the communist hunts that occurred during the 50's(Brockett). It's first performance on Broadway in 1953 at the Martin Beck Theatre made Miller feel as though it was "too stylized and cold". Later, the play became very successful and won awards such as the Tony Award for Best Play (“The Crucible-Database”). -
"Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" by Tennessee Williams
In 1955, "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" by Tennessee Williams was performed. This play was important because it represented the era. It also represented Kazan and Mielziner's direction of bringing the play to life on stage. Kazan, the director, and Mielziner, the scenic designer, played major roles in many of the most popular events during this time (Brockett). It's first show opened in New York at the Morosco Theatre in 1955 (Boxill).