Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)
Publication Date
4-11-2019
College
Visual and Performing Arts, College of
BURS Faculty Advisor
Dr. James Al-Shamma
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract
Antonin Artaud, a radical theatre artist working during the first half of the 20thcentury, developed a style and philosophy of storytelling called the Theatre of Cruelty. Artaud wanted to shock his audiences into an emotional connection with the people and situations around them. Hoping to shake the audience out of their complacency by combating realism, Artaud envisioned performances that would eliminate the fourth wall and confront the audience directly. Two contemporary theatre companies, the Wooster Group and Punchdrunk,adapt Artaud’s ideas to modern storytelling practices. The Wooster Group incorporates technological advances in its jarring, innovative performances, and Punchdrunk creates immersive and occasionally interactive experiences. Both companies embrace the concepts of Artaud’s Theatre of Cruelty and strive to break down the fourth wall to reach their audiences and build deeper connections between audience, actor, and content.
Recommended Citation
Huggins, Megan, "Breaking Down the Fourth Wall with Artaud, Punchdrunk, and the Wooster Group" (2019). Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS). 8.
https://repository.belmont.edu/burs/8
