These master works from theatre of absurd soar to heights of the ridiculous with word-twisting, innovative comedy. Eugene Ionesco is a giant of 20th century playwriting who took all the conventions of the stage and turned them upside down to offer stunning perspectives on theatre and the world it reflects. With a strong sense of the outrageous, Ionesco reminds us that, "The human drama is as absurd as it is painful." Presented by the Department of Drama in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) at Syracuse University, "The Bald Soprano" and "The Chairs" run November 13-22 and are directed by Rodney Hudson. Themes and content recommended for ages 16 and up. For tickets, call 315-443-3275 or visit vpa.syr.edu/drama.

Both "The Bald Soprano" and "The Chairs" are considered standards in what has been coined as Theatre of the Absurd. First popular in the 1950s and 1960s, Absurdism reflects a philosophy presented by Albert Camus—that the human condition is basically meaningless, and that explaining the world in a logical manner is not possible. In absurdist plays, there is a comical take on serious topics—death, alienation, and evil—in an effort to understand them better.

“The plays are funny and sad. Experience it. Don’t try to think about what it means. Just experience it and then think about it later. If you’re trying to make logic out of it you’re missing the play,” said Hudson.

The Bald Soprano

"The Bald Soprano" portrays an evening visit between Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Martin. With the Smiths’ maid Mary and her lover, the fire chief, the night of nonsensical stories and poems carries the characters right back to the beginning.

"The Bald Soprano" was Eugene Ionesco’s first play, performed in 1950 at the Théâtre des Noctambules. At the time, Ionesco had been learning to speak English by copying sentences from an English primer. As he copied the simple phrases over and over again, the absurdity of language struck him. He translated this experience into "The Bald Soprano," which satirizes the deadliness and idiocy of the daily life of a bourgeois society frozen in meaningless formalities. "The Bald Soprano" had a 1987 production in New York City, a production with the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey in 2007, and an Off-Broadway production in the spring of 2009 with the One Year Lease theatre ensemble.

The Chairs

In "The Chairs," the Old Man and Old Woman are setting up chairs in anticipation of the arrival of a series of guests who are coming to hear an orator reveal the old man's discovery of the meaning of life. Once the couple has convinced themselves that a crowd is assembled (when in fact there are only empty chairs) the evening progresses to a frantic, menacing climax. "The Chairs" was first produced in 1952 at the Théâtre Lancry. After receiving a 1997 London production, "The Chairs" returned to Broadway in 1998 and garnered five Tony nominations.

Tickets

Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for students and seniors. $7 rush tickets are available at the door, one hour before curtain. Wednesday, November 18 is “Pay What You Can” night” for valid SU ID holders. For tickets and more information, contact the Department of Drama box office at 315-443-3275 or visit vpa.syr.edu/drama.

VPA is committed to the education of cultural leaders who will engage and inspire audiences through performance, visual art, design, scholarship and commentary. It provides the tools for self-discovery and risk-taking in an environment that thrives on critical thought and action.

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