THE BALD SOPRANO is an absolute riot. It is completely bonkers and hilarious, presented in such a 'dry' manner that it can almost be considered the ur-text of modern absurdist comedy.
THE LESSON is a play that delves into the realms of madness and delusions. It is the darkest of the plays in this collection. While still retaining an element of humor, it is also deeply disturbing.
JACK, OR THE SUBMISSION explores the theme of resistance to conventions, in this case, conventions that are utterly surreal and malformed.
THE CHAIRS is, without a doubt, the finest post-apocalyptic work ever penned. It surpasses even the works of Beckett and Ballard. It is a truly tremendous piece of writing.
The last two of these plays definitely give the impression that they are set in the future, the near future, after some cataclysmic event or rearrangement of life as we know it. In this sense, they can be classified as science-fiction. THE CHAIRS is almost a companion piece to Beckett's ENDGAME. However, while the Beckett play seems to focus on exclusion (whether real or illusory), THE CHAIRS is more about inclusion (both real and illusory), yet it is just as nightmarish and funny.
In my own very humble way, I have been writing one-act plays for the past few years. Ionesco has undoubtedly been the single greatest influence on my own creative efforts. His unique style and approach have inspired me to push the boundaries of my own writing and explore new and exciting territory.