EUGEN IONESCU (b. 1909, Slatina - d. 1994, Paris)

Dramatist, poet, literary critic, and publicist; the founder of the Absurd Theater was born in Slatina, Romania in 1909 by the Olt River. He was named after his father, who was a lawyer licensed to practice law in France. Ionescu’s mother was the former Therese Zicard and was of French origin. At the age of four, Ionescu’s mother took him to Paris where he attended primary school at the Communal School on Dupleix Street. After his parents separated in 1924, Ionescu returned to his father in Romania and attended the "Sfantul Sava" High School in Bucharest, and later graduated from Central High School in Craiova in 1928. His debut in writing came in the Literary Review of the Sf. Sava High School with the poem, The Child and the Bells.

Ionescu began his studies in literature at the University of Bucharest. His lyrical poems began to appear in the publication Elegii pentru fiinti mici in 1931. He received his degree in philosophy, and began writing. His essays Volume No, edited and published in 1934, started a scandal in the literary world. Ionescu left Romania in 1938 after obtaining a scholarship from the French government to take his doctorate in Paris.

It was in 1950 that Ionescu finally developed his literary identity. He began with The bald singer, and after that, play followed play, one after another. He had found his unique voice. The Lesson and the Chairs was published in 1951, quickly followed by his Theater. Ionescu was considered the founder of the avant-garde theater in the 1950’s, and was a primary influence for Picasso’s only play. Ionescu’s influence can be seen in the work of many modern playwrights throughout the world. Some of his published works include: Killer without pay, The Rhinoceros, The King Dies, The Thirst and Hunger, and What an unprecedented Confusion.

Last update: 2004, October 28
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