Antonin Artaud
Antonin Artaud created the idea of a Theatre of Cruelty. He believed theatre relied too heavily on written word and realism. His style relied on energetic and physical performances. (Tourelle & McNamara:1998)
RESEARCH
BOOKS:
Artaud, A. (1958) Theatre and Its Double, Trans. Richards,M. New York: Grove Weidenfeld
Tourelle, L. & McNamara, M. (1998) Perfromance : A Practical Approach to Drama, Melbourne: Heinemann
WEBSITES:
Artaud Wikipedia Overview
Artaud
Theatre of Cruelty
Class Notes
Theatre of Cruelty Conventions - Justin Cash - The Drama Teacher
Antonin Artaud - Theatre Links
FIVE Truths - HL SOLO
Artaud
Theatre of Cruelty
Class Notes
Theatre of Cruelty Conventions - Justin Cash - The Drama Teacher
Antonin Artaud - Theatre Links
FIVE Truths - HL SOLO
Artaudian Techniques
- Visual Poetry - movement, gesture and dance instead of word to communicate; Used music, sound effects - stylised movement - emotional impact.
- Creating a dream world - use of ritual, masks, tradition and striking costumes; No scenery just symbolic objects; Combines with movement, lights and music - affect the emotion and subconscious - like dreams.
- Assaulting the audience - using lights, music, sound, images ( now technology can also use film). Be shocked into confronting themselves.
- Involving the audience -action would take place all around them. , Audience would feel part of the action.
- Skills of an actor - Highly skilled - use of the body and voice; total commitment; emotionally involved in their work and convinced of the truth of it.
- Deliberate cruelty - attack on the emotions. Designed to shock and totally involve them. Use of violent, terrifying and shocking actions and images.