Theatre of the Grotesque: History and Key Facts

The Theatre of the Grotesque was a twentieth-century dramatic movement. It is a theatrical style that was developed as a derivative to the late eighteenth-century art movement 'Grotesque' and thus translates the themes and images of the grotesque art into theatrical practices.

'Theatre of the Grotesque' rejects naturalism through surreal comedy, reconciling conventionally conflicting concepts. This style of theatre was popularised globally in the early twentieth century through a strong presence in the Italian theatre scene. 'Theatre of the Grotesque' reached its global peak of prominence in the mid-twentieth century.

Despite not being frequently produced in pure form in contemporary theatre, 'Theatre of the Grotesque' has remained influential in theatre since its inception boasting a clear legacy in both style and practice. Specifically, 'Theatre of the Grotesque' is credited with being the precursor to major contemporary theatrical styles, 'Theatre of the Absurd', and 'Black Comedy'.

Source and attribution

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