Antonin Artaud

Antonin Artaud was a French playwright, poet, and theorist known for his revolutionary ideas about theater in the early 20th century. He challenged conventional forms of drama, advocating for a "Theater of Cruelty" that emphasized visceral experiences and emotional truth, aiming to confront audiences with the rawness of human existence. Artaud believed theater should be a transformative, cathartic experience rather than mere entertainment. His influential writings brought attention to the power of performance and the importance of visceral, psychological engagement in art, significantly shaping modern theater and performance practices.