Experimental Theatre

There have been all sorts of experimental theatre in the 20th century. Many movements were created as a reaction to the governing conventions of the time. One of these movements was “Theatre of the Ridiculous.” This genre broke away from realism and naturalism, using surreal stories, sets, and props. Always pushing the envelope, it often made a conscious effort to be ridiculous, offensive, disturbing, and just plain strange. The plays often had very amateur actors, many of whom were just drag queens that had been found on the streets. The plays had a blending of gender and gender roles, as many characters cross-dressed for their roles. As a result, there were many underlying homoerotic themes. Men would be covered in glitter, have flamboyant roles, and generally just act more feminine. The message trying to be sent by this homoeroticism differed among playwrights, some trying to make a statement about gays and gay rights, and others just trying to question societal gender roles. The movement had a profound impact on pop culture of the 1970’s, especially music. The glam rock movement owes much of its style and attitude to the Theatre of the Ridiculous movement. Rockers who were completely straight were suddenly having long, colorful, curly hair. They were wearing glitter. They had tight pants on. They would wear make up, and in the case of Twisted Sister, would even cross dress. It is pretty interesting that such an extreme form of theatre could find its way into popular culture.
Another experimental modern theatre movement was the Neo-Futurist movement, founded in 1988. It basically threw all previous theatrical conventions out the door by not expecting the audience to have a “suspension of belief.” Rather than playing a character or hero, the actors simply play themselves. (So is that truly acting?) The plays are not only performed on stage, but the stage is the actual setting. If you are watching the play on August 7th, then August 7th is the time at which the action took place. Essentially, you are watching the play as it is being written. This creates a sense of extreme honesty. What you are watching is real. It is like seeing William Wallace defeat the English yourself, in person, at the exact moment it took place rather than watching Braveheart or a stage reenactment. But instead of watching a Scotsman tear Brits to shreds you will be watching a couple of average Joes talking.