The Theatre of Cruelty

The Theatre of Cruelty, developed by playwright Antonin Artaud, is an avant-garde theatrical approach that seeks to challenge and disturb audiences, pushing them to confront primal emotions and societal taboos. It abandons traditional storytelling and realistic sets, instead using intense, sensory experiences—such as startling sounds, flickering lights, and visceral imagery—to evoke a deep emotional and psychological response. The goal is to break down the barrier between the audience and the performance, encouraging self-awareness and catharsis. This style emphasizes raw expression and the subconscious, aiming to reveal hidden truths about human nature and society.