Jarry - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Jarry is a French avant-garde writer and playwright who is considered one of the founding members of the surrealist movement.
- 2. He was born Alfred Jarry on September 8, 1873 in Laval, France and died on November 1, 1907 in Paris at the young age of 34.
- 3. Jarry is best known for his play "Ubu Roi" (King Ubu), which premiered in 1896 and caused a scandal due to its absurd and vulgar language, as well as its satirical depiction of political figures.
- 4. "Ubu Roi" is often hailed as a precursor to the theatre of the absurd and is considered a landmark in the history of avant-garde theatre.
- 5. Jarry was a highly eccentric and unconventional figure, known for his bohemian lifestyle, drug use, and outrageous behavior.
- 6. He was a prolific writer, producing not only plays but also novels, essays, poetry, and journalism.
- 7. Jarry's work is characterized by its use of wordplay, puns, and nonsensical language, as well as its exploration of themes such as power, authority, and the absurdity of human existence.
- 8. He was a major influence on later avant-garde writers and artists, including the surrealists, Dadaists, and absurdist playwrights.
- 9. Jarry's legacy continues to be celebrated and studied by scholars and artists around the world for his unique contributions to the development of modern literature and theatre.
- 10. Despite his short life and relatively small body of work, Jarry remains a significant and influential figure in the history of avant-garde art and literature.