"The Theater and Its Double" is a collection of essays by the French playwright and theorist Antonin Artaud. Published in 1938, it outlines his vision for a new form of theater that transcends traditional narrative and dialogue. Artaud advocates for a more visceral experience, emphasizing the importance of the body and sensory elements in performance. In these essays, Artaud introduces the concept of the Theater of Cruelty, which aims to confront audiences with the rawness of human experience. He believes that theater should provoke emotional responses and challenge societal norms, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of the human condition.