Caligula: theatrical conventions of the period

Caligula is a seminal work of Absurd Theatre - a movement prevalent in the 1940s and 1950s which challenges conventional theatrical norms through its exploration of human existence’s inherent irrationality.
The narrative of Caligula showcases key elements of this style - illogical plot sequences, circular conversations, and unconventional characterisation.

Absurdist conventions are reflected in the play’s plot structure. The linear narrative is interrupted by episodes of Caligula’s arbitrary acts of violence and madness, creating an atmosphere of disorder.
Albert Camus’ interpretation of the character Caligula mirrors that of an Absurdist anti-hero, a character who defies traditional heroic attributes. Caligula thus embodies this defiance with his meaningless pursuit for the moon and whimsical, often terrifying, exercise of power.

True to Absurdist Theatre, the dialogue in Caligula is riddled with philosophical musings and shadowy metaphors, frequently straying from naturalistic conversation.
The setting - a palace that feels both stifling and intimidating - serves as a symbolic backdrop to Caligula’s reign of terror, reflecting the Absurdist convention of ‘enclosed spaces’ representing existential confinement.

Absurdist works like Caligula often feature characters displaying emotional detachment. This manifests in the way characters react to Caligula’s atrocities with a sense of emotional disconnection.
Another significant convention of the Absurdist Theatre reflected in Caligula is dark comedy. The play uses humour to expose life’s absurdities, such as in the comically futile attempts of the courtiers to reason with Caligula.

Absurdist Theatre demands a unique approach to performance. The actor must balance portraying the characters’ outwardly bizarre actions and their underlying philosophical conflicts.
Knowledge of these conventions can inform the actor’s approach to physicality, dialogue delivery, and emotional response, enhancing the depth and dimensionality of their performance.

Understanding these conventions equips the actor to embrace the play’s idiosyncrasies, thereby rendering a compelling performance that accentuates the Absurdist elements of Caligula.
An appreciation of the time period and its theatrical norms also extends to a deeper understanding of the broader cultural and social context that shaped the themes and characters of Caligula, thereby enriching the interpretative possibilities of the play.