The play was based on Ionesco’s own experiences in Romania, which inspired him to oppose conformism and act against totalitarianism. His most renowned play is Rhinoceros (1959), in which totalitarianism is depicted as a disease that turns human beings into savage rhinoceroses. “Still astonishing after more than 40 years… “ - New York TimesĮugène Ionesco was one of the most important French playwrights of the 20th century and a leading character of the “absurdist theatre.” In his drama Ionesco focuses on the question of human existence as well as the trivia of everyday life. As bipeds become an ever-smaller minority, what will it take for him to stand up to the increasing menace of rhinocerisation? This satirical comedy is an insightful critique of mindless conformity that still resonates today. What do you do when everyone around you is turning into a rhinoceros?Įugène Ionesco’s absurdist masterpiece follows a tragic everyman called Berenger, who must navigate the chaos in his small French village as the townsfolk are transformed into stampeding pachyderms. Matt Reznik plays Berenger in Theatre at UBC's production of Rhinoceros.
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