Final answer:
The Theatre of the Absurd, which arose post-World War II, is characterized by circular narratives without conventional plots, minimalist settings, meaningless dialogue, and themes that aim to provoke and disturb the audience, urging reflection on existence and reality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Theatre of the Absurd reflects the sentiment of the post-World War II era, embodying the existential belief that human existence has no meaning or purpose. This dramatic trend emerged mostly in Europe as playwrights like Eugene Ionesco, Samuel Beckett, and Edward Albee grappled with the desolation caused by the war. Certain distinct characteristics define this type of theatre:
- Lack of a conventional plot, as the narratives often appear circular and without a clear beginning or end, symbolizing the futility and repetition of human existence.
- Minimalist stage settings that support the content of the play which often revolves around an apocalyptic or nihilistic vision of the world.
- Dialogue tends to be meaningless, characters engage in nonsensical conversations or speak past each other, highlighting the breakdown of communication and the inadequacy of language.
- The content of the plays pushes the audience out of complacency, challenging them to experience the absurdity and confront the complex human condition.
The purpose of these plays was not just to entertain but to provoke and disturb, urging audiences to reflect on their own existence and the nature of the world.