"This collection brings together the four plays that feature Ionesco's everyman protagonist Jean Berenger. In 'The Killer', he comes across a "radiant city", an ideal civilization which is being terrorized by a killer, whom he tries to help apprehend. In 'Rhinoceros', he is the only person in a provincial town who is not affected by a condition that turns its victims into the eponymous horned beast. In 'Exit the King', he is the powerful King Berenger the First, who refuses to accept that he is dying. And in 'A Stroll in the Air' he acquires the capacity of flight and sees another world lying beyond the clouds. While each play in the Berenger cycle is unique, they are all prime examples of Ionesco's conception of the theatre of the absurd, and touch on themes that preoccupied the author throughout his career, such as mortality, alienation, freedom and the evils of Fascism. This volume constitutes a perfect introduction to one of the twentieth century's most original and influential playwrights."

While each play in the Berenger cycle is unique, they are all prime examples of Ionesco's conception of the theatre of the absurd, and touch on themes that preoccupied Ionesco throughout his career, such as mortality, alienation, freedom and the evils of Fascism. This volume constitutes a perfect introduction to one of the twentieth century's most original and influential playwrights.

About the Author
Born in Romania, Eugene Ionesco (1909-94) became one of France's foremost practitioners of avant-garde theatre.

Reviews
If life is absurd for Eugene Ionesco, it is also alluring. His capacity for delight in the details of human existence struggles with his conviction of its futility; it lends depth and verve to his despair. * The New York Times *



Book Information
ISBN 9780714548487
Author Eugene Ionesco
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint Alma Books Ltd
Publisher Alma Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 316g