Rhinoceros
by Eugene Ionesco, Derek Prouse

Name: Rhinoceros
Brand: Eugene Ionesco
SKU: 9780573614743
Rating: 3.83 (102 reviews)

Broadway Off-Broadway West End Off-West End

Rhinoceros Book Cover — Rhinoceros Cover

Highlights

Female

Male

120 mins Present Day Room for Extras Unit Set/Multiple Settings Period Costumes

Awards & Recognition

Outer Critics Circle Tony Award

Winner! 1961 Tony Award Winner! 1961 Outer Critics Circle Special Award Nominee: Two 1961 Tony Awards

Synopsis

The sublime is confused with the ridiculous in this savage commentary on the human condition, a staple of 20th century drama.

A small town is besieged by one roaring citizen who becomes a rhinoceros and proceeds to trample on the social order.

As more citizens are transformed into rhinoceroses, the trampling becomes overwhelming and more and more citizens become rhinoceroses.

Only one sane man, Berenger, remains, unable to change his form and identity.

Press Reviews

"An allegory for our times."
— The New York Times

"Its satirical humor, combined with its provocative theme and surprisingly moving ending, results in an evening that is strange, disturbing and arresting."
— New York Post

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
The Grocer’S Wife	—	—	—
The Housewife	—	—	—
Berenger	—	—	—
Jean	—	—	—
The Grocer	—	—	—
The Old Gentleman	—	—	—
The Logician	—	—	—
The Café Proprietor	—	—	—
Daisy	—	—	—
Dudard	—	—	—
Botard	—	—	—
Mr. Papillon	—	—	—
Mrs. Bœuf	—	—	—
A Fireman	—	—	—
The Waitress	—	—	—