Ubu Roi ou les Polonais   By: Alfred Jarry (1873-1907)

Alfred Jarry's Ubu Roi ou les Polonais is a provocative and audacious play that challenges traditional theatrical conventions. The story follows the power-hungry and grotesque character of Ubu as he rises to become king through deceit, betrayal, and violence. Jarry's use of absurdity and irreverence creates a darkly comic and satirical tone that is both shocking and thought-provoking.

The play's language is deliberately vulgar and nonsensical, reflecting Jarry's rejection of societal norms and artistic conventions. The characters speak in a mix of gibberish and crude language, adding to the overall sense of chaos and disorder. Despite its initial scandalous reception, Ubu Roi has since been recognized as a pioneering work of the avant-garde movement and a precursor to surrealism.

Overall, Ubu Roi ou les Polonais is a challenging but rewarding read that pushes boundaries and forces readers to reconsider their understanding of art and society. Jarry's bold experimentation and biting satire make this play a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.

First Page:

Père Ubu. Mère Ubu. Capitaine Bordure. Le Roi Venceslas. La Reine Rosemonde. Boleslas...) Ladislas...) leurs fils. Bougrelas..) Le général Lascy. Stanislas Leczinski. Jean Sobieski. Nicolas Rensky. L'Empereur Alexis. Giron...) Pile....) Palotins. Cotice..) Conjurés & Soldats. Peuple. Michel Fédérovitch. Nobles. Magistrats. Conseillers. Financiers. Larbins de Phynances. Paysans. Toute l'Armée russe. Toute l'Armée polonaise. Les Gardes de la Mère Ubu. Un Capitaine. L'Ours. Le Cheval à Phynances. La Machine à décerveler... Continue reading book >>