The concept of theatre of cruelty was conceived firstly by Artaud to illustrate a kind of drama that he wanted to invent - one that would unlock subconcious feelings from the audience watching - often in a very close and intense way as they were close to the performers.  He hoped that an honest and intense performing style would reach feelings normally out of reach. He was against drama that was just based on revered classic texts or popular literature because he believed they were not relevant any more as they had been constructed artificially around worlds that were not ours and was keen for performers to engage with audiences close up in their acting style. The style should not allow members of the audience to fantasise or dream away their time but confront their worst fears about the downside of humanity 'in their face.' Artaud advocated a performing style that would upset and be provocative as performers were to be educators in style and delivery. This would hopefully unlock the primeval instincts and fears of the audience.Designed to be energetic and shocking, the style was very novel and shocking and dark - a theatre to educate through fear. The suffering and pain of our impulses he believed could be used to heighten emotions of danger, violence and confusion in the theatre-goers.