Final Answer:
The Theatre of the Absurd was significantly influenced by the existentialist philosophy, particularly the works of Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre.
Step-by-step explanation:
Theatre of the Absurd Influence: The statement identifies the genre that greatly influenced the Theatre of the Absurd.
Existentialist Philosophy: The answer points to existentialist philosophy as the major influence, specifically mentioning Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre. The existentialist philosophy, characterized by the exploration of the meaning of human existence and the individual's experience of freedom and choice, profoundly impacted the Theatre of the Absurd. Playwrights like Samuel Beckett, Eugène Ionesco, and Harold Pinter, who are associated with this theatrical movement, drew inspiration from existentialist ideas. The themes of absurdity, alienation, and the search for meaning in an apparently meaningless world are evident in the plays belonging to the Theatre of the Absurd.