Antonin Artaud was a French playwright, poet, actor, and theatre director best known for his theory of the Theatre of Cruelty. He was a major figure in the avant-garde theatre movement and his work greatly influenced 20th-century theatre. Artaud's writings and performances were groundbreaking and often controversial, challenging conventional ideas of theatre and art. He struggled with mental health issues throughout his life and spent several years in psychiatric hospitals. Despite his personal struggles, his work continues to be studied and celebrated for its innovative and transformative approach.