"Theater of the Ridiculous is a significant movement that highlighted the radical possibilities inherent in camp. Much of contemporary theater owes this form a great debt but little has been written about its history or aesthetic markers. This book offers a comprehensive overview of the important practitioners, along with critical commentary of their work"--
Theatre of the Ridiculous is a significant movement that highlighted the radical possibilities inherent in camp. Much of contemporary theatre owes this form a great debt but little has been written about its history or aesthetic markers. This book offers a comprehensive overview of the important practitioners, along with critical commentary of their work. Beginning with Ridiculous most recognizable name, Charles Ludlam, the author traces the development of this campy, queer genre, from the B movies of Maria Montez to the Pop Art scene of Andy Warhol to the founding of the Play-House of the Ridiculous and the dawn of Ludlams career and finally to the contemporary theatre scene.
This study delves into the Theater of the Ridiculous, a theater genre and queer subculture that thrived before the AIDS era. Arguing that it is a true theatrical movement, the study reveals the roots of the Theater of the Ridiculous and categorizes its aesthetic markers, such as the aesthetic of failure. The book centers on major figures in the genre and analysis of their work, covering pioneers such as Charles Ludlum, Maria Montez, Jack Smith, and Ethyl Eichelberger. The final chapters look at the legacy of the Theater of the Ridiculous and the work of later generations influenced by Ridiculous aesthetics. Annotation ©2019 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)
