What is modernism theatre?

Modernism in theater refers to a movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which sought to break away from traditional storytelling techniques and explore new forms of expression. Modernist plays often focused on the inner psyche of the characters, and used fragmented narratives and nonlinear plot structures to capture the complexity of human experience.

For example, Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot, one of the most famous modernist plays, uses circular dialogue and disjointed scenes to convey the existential angst of two men waiting for someone who may never arrive.

The movement also emphasized experimentation with language, often incorporating non-realistic elements such as symbolism, surrealism, and absurdity. Reflected in the plays of Antonin Artaud and Eugène Ionesco.

Modernist theater also reflected the broader cultural and political upheavals of the early 20th century, particularly in Europe. Many modernist playwrights were reacting to the trauma of World War I and its aftermath, which had shattered traditional notions of order and reason.

Overall, modernist theater was a radical departure from the conventions of previous theatrical movements, aiming to challenge and provoke its audience with innovative forms and daring subject matter.