About
Alfred Jarry, born in Laval in 1873, was a French writer and engraver. A figure of Symbolism, he is best known for his scandalous play 'Ubu Roi' (1896), which caused a riot at its premiere. He invented 'pataphysics', the 'science of imaginary solutions', developed in his posthumous novel 'Exploits and Opinions of Dr. Faustroll'. His work, marked by the absurd and provocation, influenced Dadaism, Surrealism, and the Theatre of the Absurd. He died in Paris in 1907, aged 34, of tuberculosis exacerbated by alcoholism.
* 1873-09-08 — † 1907-11-01
Major works
- Ubu Roi (1896)play
- César Antéchrist (1895)novel
- Les Jours et les Nuits (1897)novel
- Le Surmâle (1902)novel
- Gestes et opinions du docteur Faustroll (1911)novel
Key milestones
- 1896Premiere of 'Ubu Roi' at the Théâtre de l'Œuvre in Paris, causing a scandal.
- 1894Co-founds the art magazine 'L'Ymagier' with Remy de Gourmont.
- 1907Dies in Paris on November 1, aged 34.
Themes
AbsurdityProvocationPataphysicsSocial satireImagination
Sources: moma.org · data.bnf.fr · britannica.com