"The Grand Guignol (located on the Cité Chaptal in Paris) was a real-life theatre of horrors (as opposed to one of fantasy), founded by the playwright and novelist Oscar Méténier..." - Rehan Qayoom
Rehan wrote another essay, which I linked in this essay too, that is also quite insightful and fascinating. I haven't read Nin's work that much, but she has been a beloved amongst many readers yesterday and today. Thank you so much for stopping by and reading, Kimber!
What a madly colorful, raunchy but if history! I walked right into it with this: “perfume and cigarette smoke, must and alcohol, greasepaint and dry ice. The building was once a chapel, and the space still carries something of the sacred, tapestries hung from the baroque wood paneling and arched beams decorated with carved gods and monsters, angels and demons, the vaulted ceiling thatched with fleur-de-lis and pierced by iron chandeliers.”
Nin writes as if life is a convulsion of being - fundamental, dark, as horrifying and inspiring (and ecstatic) as it actually is experienced, if you’re willing.
Thank you for introducing me to Rehan's work (just read some of his poems which are also exquisite!) I read Anais Nin many years ago, quite an essential read in French culture I think, but had no idea about the link with Le Grand Guignol, another tradition that I had almost forgotten about.
It's quite fascinating how much history gets uncovered decades later. Rehan's dedication to learning about Nin and sharing the findings with us is immensely impressive and admirable. I'm also a fan of his poetry. Thank you so much for reading, Mya!
If I could devour everything ever written by Anaïs I would. (I certainly plan too) Not only was she a talented writer, her life was also her greatest masterpiece. She is my divine inspiration for literary living. I’m also naming my first born daughter after her. (No joke!)
That is stunning! I recommend getting in touch and following Rehan’s stupendous work as he’s been researching and uncovering her life and work and bringing it all back to life. <3
I enjoyed reading this! I’ve never heard of Nin or the Grand Guignol🤔Makes me want to look into this more!
Rehan wrote another essay, which I linked in this essay too, that is also quite insightful and fascinating. I haven't read Nin's work that much, but she has been a beloved amongst many readers yesterday and today. Thank you so much for stopping by and reading, Kimber!
What a madly colorful, raunchy but if history! I walked right into it with this: “perfume and cigarette smoke, must and alcohol, greasepaint and dry ice. The building was once a chapel, and the space still carries something of the sacred, tapestries hung from the baroque wood paneling and arched beams decorated with carved gods and monsters, angels and demons, the vaulted ceiling thatched with fleur-de-lis and pierced by iron chandeliers.”
That is quite scenic indeed! Thank you for reading, Kimberly! <3
Very revealing...
Thank you for reading, David! Rehan is working on a few essays on Nin. I didn't know any of this, so indeed, it was quite revealing!
Nin writes as if life is a convulsion of being - fundamental, dark, as horrifying and inspiring (and ecstatic) as it actually is experienced, if you’re willing.
Your stunning descriptions got me even more enticed! I read bits and pieces, but I should read more.
I read them years ago, curious and because I was uncensored. I still remember quite a bit.
Oh wow.
My sister read and loved the diary of Anais Nin long, long ago, and reading this very much reminded me of her. Thank you!
Aww. Thank you for sharing that, Wendy! <3
Completely fascinating/horrifying! 😜 Must read Robert Levy's book next - beautifully done, Rehan, and thank you, Nadia for this glimpse... 😈
Hahaha. I was babashook reading all this. But those were the cray cray times, huh! Thank you so much for popping by and reading, dear Troy!
MWAH! I forgot to mention I was absolutely enthralled by "Henry & June" the movie, I think I went to see it 3 times in the theaters in 1990... 🤪
Oh my! Well, then, I must see it too!
Thank you for introducing me to Rehan's work (just read some of his poems which are also exquisite!) I read Anais Nin many years ago, quite an essential read in French culture I think, but had no idea about the link with Le Grand Guignol, another tradition that I had almost forgotten about.
It's quite fascinating how much history gets uncovered decades later. Rehan's dedication to learning about Nin and sharing the findings with us is immensely impressive and admirable. I'm also a fan of his poetry. Thank you so much for reading, Mya!
If I could devour everything ever written by Anaïs I would. (I certainly plan too) Not only was she a talented writer, her life was also her greatest masterpiece. She is my divine inspiration for literary living. I’m also naming my first born daughter after her. (No joke!)
That is stunning! I recommend getting in touch and following Rehan’s stupendous work as he’s been researching and uncovering her life and work and bringing it all back to life. <3