"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
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.
I enjoyed reading this! I’ve never heard of Nin or the Grand Guignol🤔Makes me want to look into this more!
Very revealing...
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.”
My sister read and loved the diary of Anais Nin long, long ago, and reading this very much reminded me of her. Thank you!
Completely fascinating/horrifying! 😜 Must read Robert Levy's book next - beautifully done, Rehan, and thank you, Nadia for this glimpse... 😈
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.