Between the wars is a time of great turbulence. A break from realism occurred with many artists. Some were explorations in the communication of the aesthetics, some were related to political or sociological ideologies. The play features a play within a play in which characters from an unfinished play intrude into reality to have their story presented. Themes of dehumanization of the individual and deterioration of the family.
Characters tend to represent types.
Germany is where movement began. O'neill and Miller can be said to be American expressionist dramatists. Futurism, Dada, and Surrealism Futurism - Idealized war and the machine age. Ridiculed theatre as a Museum art. Art should mirror the madness of the world and antagonize the audience.