Anton Artuad Simeon evanson

Learning Objectives MUST: Understand the techniques used by Artuad SHOULD: Be able to use and interpret these techniques COULD: Critically comment on his techniques

Main information Born on the 4th of September 1896 Born in France Marsille Died March the 4th 1948 ( aged 52 ) due to cancer When Antonin was 4 he was diagnosed with meningitis and in 1914 he was treated with opium but was easily addicted surprisingly this helped him out later in life in his Drama Career as a play writer

Input to drama- Theatre of cruelty Artuad was one of the 20th century’s most important dramatist in the drama world. In 1931 Artaud saw a group of Balinese dancers perform and this is one of the main influences that made him interpret theatre in his own way even though he did not understand the idea behind the performance in the same year He produced his theory called the theatre of cruelty which influenced other playwrights Anton Artaud Strongly believed that drama had been sterile for the past 400 years and he wanted a theatre which was anti-intellectual and objected to have a impact on written word. He praised eastern theatre because of the codified highly ritualized and precise physicality of dance performance and advocated what he called “theatre of cruelty” Artaud made it clear that by the word cruelty he doesn’t mean causing pain or creating emotional feelings , but just as often a violent physical determination to fracture reality.

Mini Plenary part 1 What theory did Artaud create and why ? In what century did Artaud become the most praised dramatist What is the meaning of “theatre of cruelty”

Artaud Techniques and objectives Assaulting the audience using lights movement and sound Involving the audience action would take place therefore they would feel part of the act Visual poetry- movement, gesture and dance instead of words to communicate using music , sound effects and stylized movement Deliberate cruelty an attack on the emotions designed to shock and totally involve them. Overall Artauds purpose is to make the audience feel threatened and scared.

Time to play a game !! Circle activity-using one word at a time as a group perform a nursery rhyme e.g humpty dumpty but replace key words with actions. impulsive gesture activity- as a group sit in a circle close your eyes and imagine you are in a jungle. There will be two groups Preys and Predators. Think of an animal with your eyes closed I’ll come round and tap two people if your not tapped I would like you feel part of it

Mini Plenary part 2 Write down the names of the techniques Artaud created What is Artaud Main objective of his techniques ? Was your characterization clear if you were an animal if you were a witness how did you feel and why ?

Re in act a activity of your choice Chose one of the circle activity’s we did and change the scenario

Conclusion What had a major influence on Artauds life in his drama career ? If you could change anything about Artauds theory of cruelty what would it be ? What drama piece do you know that uses Artauds techniques ?