Artaud/Theater of Cruelty 

Antonin Artaud (1896-1948), a poet actor and theorist, created Theater of Cruelty to be a form that disrupts the relationship between the audience and the performers. He believed that gestures can communicate an artist's intentions, both conscious and unconscious, in a way that words cannot express. The "cruelty" in theater of cruelty refers to the sensory experience of the audience that works to shock and confront, going beyond words and connecting with audiences emotions. For Artaud, theater is meant to liberate each individual's energies, both on and off the stage. With this philosophy, the barrier of the stage is removed and viewers are able to fully immerse themselves in the theatrical experience presented to them. 

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For a thorough overview about Theater of Cruelty, please check out the crashcourse video! 

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Fun Fact: Peter Brook's production of King Lear was inspired by Artaud and Theater of Cruelty (pictured above)