Home Journal List Journal of Research ( Humanities) VOl XXXV Article Details

Edward Bond: The Development of a "Rational Theatre"

Abstract

Edward Bond's statement 'Events as rational history preceded by causes and succeeded by consequences, seem to entail a technique of writing about the past,' touches on two important aspects of his work, and is particularly relevant for the plays from The Sea (1973) onwards, in which time and locatio6 are more positively specified than in the earlier plays, These are: the concern with defining the relationship between dramatic form and dramatic issues within the framework of rational theatrei2 and the chwelopment of such a theatre through a 'reinterpretationl of the past as 'a part of learning to understand our own age'3. In fact, as early as Narrow Road (1968) the relating of ideas with structure becomes increasingly significant in the search'. for 'clarity'4. Rationality in Bond's drama, signifies an ideological and , philosophical approach to 'man in society, This is based on the view that quite contrary to the absurc.iist school, neither existence not events are either arbitrary or absurd, and that not only is it possible to apprehend one's social condition and situation, but that even the irrational can be grasped rationally, an.d so remedied. Even's reassurance to Willy at the close of The Sea. Don't give up hope, That's always silly. The truth's waiting for you, it's very patient, and you'll find it,5" expresses the spirit of armd's optimism, and his affirmation of the potential for change and development. Dramaticallv„ one of the methods of articulating the concept of rationality is through a pattern of cause and consequence.

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