History Of Avant Garde Theater

Avant-Garde Theater is often referred to as the “Theater of the Absurd” (Aronson 112). These words coincide with the historical events that occurred prior to the 1950s. The occurrences in the 1950s society were the inspiration for the genesis of Avant-Garde and playwrights, such as Samuel Beckett.

The mid twentieth century marked the beginning of fear and ease for different people groups in the world. In 1950, the United States of America had been in war with the Soviet Union for five years in the Cold War (U.S.). The Cold War was not the only struggle in which the United States had partaken in the 1950s. On June 25th, 1950, North Korean troops crossed the Southern Korean border which sealed the declaration of war (U.S.). After only three days, the United States’ President Harry S. Truman sent military aid to defend Southern Korea (U.S.). War with other nations of the world did not completely depress the American people however.

The United States of America in the 1950s was a time of prosper for its citizens (U.S.). Recent wars in Europe made many Europeans want American made goods, which fueled the American economy (U.S.). In the mid-1950s, the new President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a “War Hero”, was elected (U.S.). The booming economy led to new technology, such as the television (U.S.). Media in the 1950s was being consumed by the young adults and teenagers. The new and exciting pastime for teenagers was the new music genre rock and roll (U.S.). Rock and roll artists such as Elvis Presley became the stars of 1950s media (U.S.). Not everyone liked the idea of rock and roll though. The older members of society believed rock and roll to be “Satan’s Music” (U.S.). The joy of living in the U.S.A in the 1950s however; was not shared by...

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...quo” (Aronson 3). This quote is a perfect summary of Avant-Garde. The 1950s were a time of reform in society. The ending of segregation of African Americans from white Americans alone was a huge advancement of the American people. Events like this were the fuel for the Avant-Garde playwrights and artists. Playwrights of the 1950s were documenters of the thoughts and feelings of not only themselves, but the people of their nation.

In all, the 1950s Avant-Garde era was marked by advancements and experimentation in not only theatrical productions, but in the way of daily life for Americans. Playwrights of that era, such as Samuel Beckett, were influenced by the ever-changing culture, society, and historical events of the 1950s. These advancements that laid a foundation for the Avant-Garde are the building blocks on which the American culture and way of life are built.