Surrealism

Question 1

When and where did surrealism originate?

Answer 1

• France, 1920s

Question 2

Who were some of the most influential playwrights of the surrealist movement?

Answer 2

• Andre Breton
• Jean Cocteau
• Antonin Artaud

Question 3

What is the meaning of surrealism?

Answer 3

• super-realism (super = exceeding, beyond)
• art to express the real process of thought which is the subconscious dream state

Question 4

What does surrealism reflect?

Answer 4

• reflects the subconscious
• (influence of Freud and psychoanalysis)

Question 5

What does surrealism express?

Answer 5

• the dream state of mind:
• dreams
• hallucinations

Question 6

What does surrealism free people from?

Answer 6

• frees people from the chains of logic and rationality

Question 7

What does surrealism create?

Answer 7

• creates a personal, social and cultural revolution to bring about a life of freedom

Question 8

What does surrealism believe that theatre should do?

Answer 8

• theatre should express what language cannot put into words

Question 9

What are the characteristics of surrealism?

Answer 9

• imaginative;
  = familiar mixed with the strange and unusual
• unlikely and illogical
• symbolic (eg. bearded woman)
• personal, social & cultural revolutions

Question 10

How is sound used in surrealism?

Answer 10

• shrill sound effects
• use of voice to create harmonies and dissonance

Question 11

How is set and design used in surrealism?

Answer 11

• new spaces
• stark lighting
• sets modelled on surrealist paintings (salvador dali)
• some décor and costumes designed by Picasso