‘Indifference Is Not Permissible’

You are known as one of the masters of the theater of the absurd. Why did you find this particular approach to theater so effective for commenting on politics?

I did not intend my plays to be directly political. They are plays about ordinary people and about the world. The role of theatre is not didactic—it is not to teach people but to pose questions. Absurd theater is not skeptical theater, but rather a type of theater created to encourage people to come to their senses.

You have said that “truth and morality could have stronger power than weapons.” Is that still true in the age of terrorism?

I believe the statement is valid universally. In terms of terrorism, we need to analyze it as a metaphysical phenomenon. Self-preservation seems to be a very strong urge, so in cases where self-sacrifice abundantly comes in its place, we should examine where this is coming from.

In the 1990’s there was a spirit of euphoria and liberty around the world as the cold war ended, democracy spread and apartheid crumbled. Has the tide turned?

When the bipolar division of the world ended, evil became more dispersed rather than localized. I think the world is better off now that it is not divided between Moscow and Washington. Now there are new concerns to deal with, such as the environment. I also think that with the increase in the power of the media, the possibility of the best people coming to office is decreased. People care more about what a politician’s hair looks like than their long-term perspective and knowledge of the context of things. It has become more difficult to create a new political order and express the minority opinion in a convincing way.

© 2007