The Theatre and its Double

Antonin Artaud's The Theatre and Its Double, published in 1938, is a collection of essays that explore his radical theories on drama and theatre. It contains the famous manifestos of the 'Theatre of Cruelty' and analyses the underlying impulses of performance. This new English translation by Mark Taylor-Batty retains the idiosyncratic nature of the author's writing while achieving clarity and facilitating a fuller appreciation of Artaud's artistic objectives. It also includes a newly translated set of notes and drafts and a selection of letters to his publisher, friends, and associates concerning the book's genesis and the evolution of the concept of a 'Theatre of Cruelty.'

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In his groundbreaking work "The Theatre and Its Double," originally published in 1938, Antonin Artaud delves into his radical theories on drama and theatre, lamenting their stifling constraints under the influence of conservatism and a lack of experimentation. This collection of essays, encompassing the renowned manifestos of the "Theatre of Cruelty," serves as an in-depth analysis of the fundamental motivations behind performance. It offers valuable insights into a physical training method for actors and showcases a profound appreciation for the expressive values of Eastern dance drama. The new English translation of Artaud's canonical text, skillfully executed by Mark Taylor-Batty, preserves the unique style and fervor of the author's writing, conveying its intensity and ambition. By achieving clarity, this translation facilitates a deeper understanding of Artaud's artistic objectives and the historical context in which they emerged. Additionally, it includes a newly translated set of his notes and drafts, as well as a selection of letters to his publisher, friends, and associates, shedding light on the book's genesis and the development of the concept of the "Theatre of Cruelty." The accompanying commentary further contextualizes this material within Artaud's broader oeuvre, spanning from his collaboration with the Surrealist group to his ambitious plans to stage his adaptation of Percy Shelley's "Les Cenci" in 1935. A valuable addition to the bookshelves of theatre enthusiasts and students alike, this translation of Artaud's classic text provides clear and faithful insights into the world of his theatre.

Weight: 248g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350288720