Arrabal, Fernando (1932– )

Spanish-born dramatist and novelist, living in France. His plays show many of the elements characteristic of the Theatre of the Absurd (see Absurd, Theatre of the). He has, however, developed a unique style, which makes much use of Grand Guignol, and of a peculiarly Spanish concern with violence.

His plays include Le Cimetière des voitures/The Car Cemetery (1958), Le Labyrinthe/The Labyrinth (1961), L'Architecte et l'empereur d'Assyrie/The Architect and the Emperor of Assyria (1967), Le Jardin des délices/The Garden of Delights (1969), and Et ils passèrent des menottes aux fleurs/And They Put Handcuffs on the Flowers (1969), inspired by his brief imprisonment by the Spanish authorities. His films include Viva la muerte/Long Live Death (1970) and J'irai comme un cheval fouI/I Will Go Like a Wild Horse (1973).

He has also written several novels and has composed wordless dance and movement pieces under the general title Orchestration théâtrale (1959).