Antonin Artaud - Collected Works - Volume 4

In the 53 years since his death in Paris, Artaud's reputation has continued to grow and his influence on contemporary theatre can be seen in the plays of Adamov, Audiberti, Camus and Genet and in the productions of Barrault, Vilar and Peter Brook. This important volume includes one of Artaud's most seminal texts, "The Theatre and Its Double", and his play "The Cenci"

Also included are appendices, copious notes and his essay "Seraphim's Theatre"

"The Theatre and Its Double", published here in its entirety, remains the most radical text on performance in print today

The lesser known "Seraphim's Theatre" outlines the actor's application of the Taoist principles of fullness and emptiness, and has provided inspiration to actors and directors in experimental and non-naturalistic areas of the theatre

"The Cenci" is a practical application of some of the ideas contained in the "Theatre of Cruelty Manifesto" and is an adaptation by Artaud of an historical scandal which had already been treated by Shelley and Stendhal

The play remains a landmark in twentieth century theatre as an early production of the "Theatre of Cruelty" and it becomes an experience of unusual power and beauty on the stage