Hello, Cruel World: Antonin Artaud’s Pursuit of Primal Theatre

Abstract

This thesis delves into the most volatile years of the notoriously volatile life of French poet and theatrical theorist Antonin Artaud (1896–1948). At the heart of the research is an examination of his voyages to Mexico and Ireland, as these seem to be relatively neglected in relation to understanding his body of work. The research encompasses biographies of Artaud, his own account of his Mexican excursion, as well as his essays, letters, plays, and poems in English translation. In addition, books and articles with varied interpretations of his work, and excerpts of the Irish Department of External Affairs file, “Enquiry from Antonin Artaud re: ‘Sources d’Antiques Traditions’ in Ireland’” as published in the ​Dublin Review ​ . The research shows a remarkable consistency in his artistic voice. It was also discovered that after returning from Mexico, he made peace with several figures he renounced early in his career. The significance of his correspondence with publisher Jacques ​Rivière is further noted.