I just received a review copy of The Theatre of E.E. Cummings, a new anthology collecting the poet’s four theatrical works.
Although he’s best known for his poetry, and his unusual comedies are seldom performed, Cummings was a daring playwright with a highly developed sense of silliness and a style that takes its cues from August Strindberg and Alfred Jarry while predicting the rise of the European Absurdists.
I’ve often wondered if Futurama‘s bloodthirsty Robot Santa was inspired by Cummings’ “Santa Claus,” in which Death and Santa trade places.
