The Cenci - Antonin Artaud Adaptation

Antonin Artaud Adaptation

Antonin Artaud staged his adaptation of Shelley's The Cenci in 1935, but his extensive use of surrealism in the performance meant that the production was shown only 17 times before closing. Antonin Artaud used highly graphic and disturbing images that were meant to release the audience from their current state of mind, especially during the murder scene where the main character Count Cenci (the role that was played by Artaud) is murdered by his two servants. These images were supposed to release the 'Savage under the skin', an aim that was commonly used by Artaud in many of his performances.

Read more about this topic:  The Cenci

Famous quotes containing the words antonin artaud, artaud and/or adaptation:

    With society and its public, there is no longer any other language than that of bombs, barricades, and all that follows.
    Antonin Artaud (1896–1948)

    Hell is of this world and there are men who are unhappy escapees from hell, escapees destined ETERNALLY to reenact their escape.
    —Antonin Artaud (1896–1948)

    In youth the human body drew me and was the object of my secret and natural dreams. But body after body has taken away from me that sensual phosphorescence which my youth delighted in. Within me is no disturbing interplay now, but only the steady currents of adaptation and of sympathy.
    Haniel Long (1888–1956)