Main / Authors

Antonin Artaud - Biography

Biography a Artaud - The Life and Work of the Shocking French Playwright and Theorist of the Theatre

Antonin Artaud, real name Antoine Marie Joseph Artaud, was born on September 4, 1896 in Marseille, France. His childhood and youth were difficult and marked by the diseases he faced from the very beginning of his life. These physical and mental illnesses had a profound impact on his future creativity and views on the world.

Antonin Artaud began his career as an actor and playwright in theaters in Paris. He was active in theatrical productions and quickly became known as an actor with unusual talent and unpredictable performances. However, his work quickly developed in several directions.

Artaud became one of the most important theorists of theater of the 20th century. His concept of a "theatre of cruelty" (Théâtre de la Cruauté) involved the creation of theatrical works that would shock, provoke and make the audience experience intense emotions. He believed that theater should be a means of "healing" for society and a tool for paying attention to social and psychological problems.

The most famous work of Antonin Artaud was his play "Le Jet de sang," which was staged in 1927. It was a bold and experimental work that differed from traditional theatrical concepts. Other notable works include "The Theatre and its Twin" ("Le Théâtre et son double") and "The Rising Telegram" ("Le Pèse -nerfs").

Antonin Artaud's life was full of physical and mental suffering. He suffered from schizophrenia and was admitted to psychiatric clinics numerous times. His struggle with disease and addiction to opiates became part of his biography, and it had a major impact on his work.