Artaud (Antonin Artaud)

Antonin Artaud was a French playwright, poet, and theater director known for his intense, avant-garde ideas about art and performance. He believed theater should evoke deep emotional and physical reactions, often emphasizing raw, visceral experiences. Artaud developed the concept of the "Theatre of Cruelty," aiming to challenge audiences and break traditional boundaries by using striking visuals, sounds, and gestures. His work sought to access the subconscious and confront societal norms, making him a pivotal figure in modernist theater and avant-garde movement. Despite struggles with mental health, his ideas continue to influence contemporary theater, performance art, and cultural thought.