Collected Works: v. 4 (French Surrealism)

Drama. This important volume of COLLECTED WORKS 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 perfromance in print today. The lesser known SERAPHIN'S THEATRE outlines an actor's application of the Taoist principles of fullness and emptiness, and has provided inspiration to actors and directors in experimental and non-aturalistic 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 a 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. Translated and with an introduction by Victor Corti.