Past Present Future
The History of Revolutionary Ideas: Ubu Roi w/Dominic Dromgoole
Apr 15, 2025
Dominic Dromgoole, a writer and theatre director, dives into the explosive premiere of Alfred Jarry’s 'Ubu Roi' in 1896 Paris, which sparked a riot and redefined theatre. He explores why this absurd play, likened to a schoolboy's creation, resonated so deeply with audiences. From its chaotic reception to the innovative use of language and costume, Dromgoole articulates how the performance challenged authority and embraced hilarity. He connects this theatrical upheaval to broader cultural shifts, emphasizing the lasting impact of absurdity in art.
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Quick takeaways
- Alfred Jarry's Ubu Roi serves as a radical critique of authority, using absurdity to challenge societal norms and provoke thought among audiences.
- The chaotic premiere of Ubu Roi illustrated a significant cultural clash, showcasing the play's revolutionary impact on modern theatre and artistic expression.
Deep dives
The Origins of Ubu Roi
The play Ubu Roi, written by Alfred Jarry, has roots in the schoolboy antics of Jarry and his friends, who initially created satirical sketches about their pompous physics teacher, Monsieur Hebert. These humorous parodies eventually evolved into a theatrical production that lampooned authority through the character of Ubu, who became a symbol of grotesque absurdity. The story of Ubu's rise to power is derived from a series of young boys' jokes and pranks that grew into a form of social commentary against adult authority. This transformation highlights the often ridiculous nature of authority figures and critiques the motives underpinning their desire for power and respect.
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