Absurd Passion: Camusian Freedom and Revolt in "Cante Flamenco"

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2019

Abstract

Gypsies (“flamencos”) have lived in southern Spain for over 600 years, enduring oppression and discrimination that continues to this day. Their cultural experience is voiced in the flamenco song tradition with its recurring expressions of rebellion, persistence, and independence. This paper explores how these lyrical themes dovetail with Albert Camus’ theory of the Absurd, which he defines as the conflict between humanity’s search for meaningful order in life and the fundamental irrationality of the universe. For him, the only defensible responses to absurdity are revolt, passion, and freedom. I propose that traditional flamenco lyrics, as a potent expression of perseverance and courage, are a powerful articulation of a Camusian outlook on life.

Comments

The International Journal of Arts Theory and History, volume 14 is a part of The Arts in Society series published by Common Ground Research Networks.

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