Artaud (Theatre of Cruelty)

Question 1

Define Theatre of Cruelty

Answer 1

This was an intense theatrical experience that combined elaborate props, special lighting, primitive gestures and themes of rape, and torture to shock the audiences into confronting the base elements of life.

It explored how life itself is evil and goodness is an act of will.

Question 2

Visual Poetry

Answer 2

Using dance, movement and gestures instead of words to communicate to their audiences. It communicates feeling about the mysteries of creation, growth and death.

Question 3

Assaulting the Senses

Answer 3

Using violent and confronting images that appealed to the emotions.

Question 4

Creating a Dreamworld

Answer 4

Through the use of masks, objects and costumes, Artaud hoped to remove his audience from their everyday lives

Question 5

Involving the audience

Answer 5

Audience would be placed in the centre with the action taking place all around them.

Question 6

Deliberate Cruelty

Answer 6

The style of theatre was an attack on emotion and designed to shock the audiences and totally involves with in the drama

Question 7

Improvising the play

Answer 7

There were no scripts and planned to improvise, basing the process on important events and serious human connections