Exploring the Depths of Absurdism with The Travellers
Rajeshwar Prasad’s The Travellers, winner of the prestigious Sahitya Sparsh Award 2025 in the Philosophical Drama category, is a play that delves into the profound and unsettling philosophy of atheistic existentialism. Through the lives of Alvin, Cecil, and Blair, who find themselves in a desolate train station, the play encapsulates the absurdity of existence in a world devoid of divine presence or inherent joy. Structured in three acts, it embodies the quintessential traits of absurdist theater, drawing inspiration from the iconic works of Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter, and Eugene Ionesco.
Prasad masterfully employs the formula of absurdist dramaturgy, reducing action, characters, language, and plot to their bare essentials while amplifying feelings of alienation, fear, isolation, and mystery. In The Travellers, the seemingly static evolves into a kaleidoscope of tragic-comic moments, where “nothing is happening, but everything is happening.”
About the Author: Rajeshwar Prasad
Born on August 26, 1970, Rajeshwar Prasad’s life and career have been a testament to his passion for literature, philosophy, and storytelling. With a PhD on “Lyricism in the Plays of Christopher Marlowe” from Magadh University, Bodh-Gaya, he has made significant contributions to English literature both as an academic and a writer.
As the Professor and Head of the Department of English at Sarvodaya Post-Graduate College in Uttar Pradesh, India, Prasad combines his scholarly acumen with an artistic flair that is evident in his extensive body of work. His repertoire includes plays like The Wife, Zero into Four, and The Tribute, the novel Dance of Democracy, and poetic masterpieces such as Gandhi – The Messiah and Bullet Land.
His magnum opus, The Gandhi-Gita, and essays like Hello Life reflect his philosophical depth and dedication to exploring human complexity and moral growth. Prasad’s works consistently strive for a fairer world and happier individuals, intertwining literary artistry with philosophical speculation to leave readers with a positive and inspiring message.
Recognition and Contributions
Rajeshwar Prasad’s literary achievements have garnered international attention. His article, “Gandhian Whirlwind and the Image of Mahatma Gandhi in Indo-English Fiction,” was recently featured in the prestigious US journal The Aerial Perspective. In addition to winning the Sahitya Sparsh Award 2025 for The Travellers, he serves on the Board of Studies at Maharaja Suhel Dev University, Azamgarh, and is a Fellow Member of the Screenwriters Association in Mumbai.
Through his dual roles as an educator and writer, Prasad channels his insights into teaching and literature, which he regards as sustenance for the soul. His journey is a beacon for those who seek meaning and inspiration through the written word.
The Travellers: A Must-Read for Lovers of Absurdism
For readers and theater enthusiasts who admire the existential musings of Beckett and Pinter, The Travellers is a compelling exploration of human vulnerability and resilience. With its poignant commentary on the human condition and now recognized with the Sahitya Sparsh Award, Rajeshwar Prasad’s work is not just a play but a philosophical journey into the absurdities of life.
Discover The Travellers and join Rajeshwar Prasad on his literary odyssey.