As we navigate the complex social and political landscape of 2024, it’s striking to see how many issues echo the post-World War II era. The post-WWII period was marked by a search for stability and identity in a world reshaped by conflict, leading to significant advancements in civil rights, gender equality, and international relations.

Today’s climate is similarly shaped by a series of transformative events and evolving societal expectations, after the disruption of COVID-19 and conflicts in Europe and the Middle East. As we grapple with issues such as climate change, global conflicts, and social justice, there is a parallel quest for adaptation and reform.

Post-World War II Theatre:

World War II disrupted theatrical productions, especially in Europe, as many theaters closed or were repurposed for wartime efforts, and numerous theater professionals served in the military or contributed to war-related activities. Many plays during this time showcased themes that reflected the human condition, the impact of war, and issues of morality and survival, blending realism with escapism to cope with the harsh realities of the period.

Broadway, despite the war, thrived with successful shows, marking the beginning of the "Golden Age" of American musicals with notable productions like "Oklahoma!" (1943) and "The Glass Menagerie" (1944). Influential figures in European theatre such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Bertolt Brecht contributed to a revival in productions that explored existential themes and the war's impact, while the off-Broadway movement in the U.S. began to promote more experimental and avant-garde works. 

Theatre of Cruelty (Théâtre de la Cruauté)

Developed by Antonin Artaud in the 1930s, it sought to break away from traditional theatrical conventions to confront the audience with the raw, visceral elements of human experience. Artaud’s vision was to create theatre that engaged the senses and emotions directly to evoke a profound and often disturbing response. The use of symbolic and often shocking imagery, non-verbal communication, and physical intensity reflected the chaos and violence of the human psyche. Artaud’s ideas were articulated in his influential work The Theatre and Its Double (1938). In it he argued for a radical transformation of theatre to address the deeper, darker aspects of existence. Though his specific productions were limited, Artaud’s theories continue to impact modern theatre, influencing experimental and avant-garde performances that explore the boundaries of human experience. 

Catharsis in Theatre

In times of crisis, people often turn to entertainment for escapism. Dark comedies like Arsenic and Old Lace provided a unique form of escapism that allowed audiences to laugh at their fears and anxieties. This form of catharsis helps people deal with the harsh realities of the world by confronting them in a humorous and less threatening way. Catharsis, in theatre, refers to the emotional release or purification that an audience experiences through engaging with dramatic works. It originates from Aristotle's theory, involving the audience's feelings of pity and fear being resolved through the unfolding of the play’s plot, leading to a sense of emotional relief or cleansing. In witnessing the trials and tribulations of characters, audiences can confront their own emotions and gain a deeper understanding of their own experiences, achieving a sense of emotional renewal. 

Dramaturgy by Mo De Poortere