Antonin Artaud was a French playwright, poet, and actor, born on September 4, 1896. He is best known for his influential ideas on theater, particularly through his concept of the Theater of Cruelty. Artaud believed that theater should evoke strong emotions and challenge audiences, moving beyond traditional narratives. Artaud's work often explored themes of madness and the human condition. He faced personal struggles, including mental health issues, which influenced his artistic vision. His writings, such as The Theater and Its Double, continue to inspire modern theater and performance art, making him a significant figure in 20th-century literature.