Theater of the Ridiculous ― A Critical History

Theater of the Ridiculous is a significant movement that highlighted the radical possibilities inherent in camp. Much of contemporary theater owes this form a great debt but little has been written about its history or aesthetic markers. This book offers a comprehensive overview of the important practitioners, along with critical commentary of their work. Beginning with Ridiculous’ most recognizable name, Charles Ludlam, the author traces the development of this campy, queer genre, from the B movies of Maria Montez to the Pop Art scene of Andy Warhol to the founding of the Play-House of the Ridiculous and the dawn of Ludlam’s career and finally to the contemporary theater scene.

Kelly I. Aliano has taught at CUNY Hunter College and LaGuardia Community College as well as at Long Island University-Post Campus. She has presented at numerous conferences on the Ridiculous as well as in the field of video game studies. She lives in Baldwin, New York.