theater of the absurd

noun

1. theater in which standard or naturalistic conventions of plot, characterization, and thematic structure are ignored or distorted in order to convey the irrational or fictive nature of reality and the essential isolation of humanity in a meaningless world.

Word History and Origins

Origin of theater of the absurd¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

“It’s a little bit of the theater of the absurd at this point, right? Michael Cohen is no longer a witness in this trial,” Blanche added.

From Seattle Times

“Sometimes it’s like a theater of the absurd,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

What was also not surprising was the opening video appearance of the J6 Prison Choir which has become routinized theater of the absurd as the opening act on the Trump campaign trail.

From Salon

“This is not a trial, but a theater of the absurd – a journalist and a lawyer are being tried for disseminating information,” Mazheika said during the trial.

From Seattle Times

“This is a theater of the absurd,” he said.

From New York Times