Impromptu is a 1 hour-long one act comically absurdist play by Eugene Ionesco.

 

Ionesco himself is being visited in his study by Bartholomew I, II and III. With their pseudo-intellectual suggestions they confuse and unsettle Ionesco. Their suggestions are distorting the purpose of the Theatre. (“The audience may not be amused in the Theater. Who is amused, will be punished”) A grotesque situation ensues while the neighbour and cleaner Marie portraying reason tries to enter.

Ionesco’s characters seem like robots, enslaved by the dictatorial will of an unseen manipulator. He adds glamour to the gloomy with sparkling esprit and intelligent grace.

“The Absurd, portrayed with taste arouses disgust and admiration.” Eugene Ionesco (1909-1994)