The term 'THEATER of the Absurd' refers to a genre of THEATER that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s. It is characterized by its use of absurdist elements, such as illogical situations, nonsensical dialogue, and characters who lack motivation or purpose. The term was coined by French philosopher and playwright Martin Esslin in his book The Theatre of the Absurd, which was published in 1961. The term 'THEATER of the Absurd' is often used to describe the works of playwrights such as Samuel Beckett, Eugene Ionesco, and Harold Pinter.