It is as easy to dismiss (too much) with “parenthetical insults” as with intellectual assaults. Both tactics smack of arrogance. The end result, when the veil is rent, is usually rhetorical catastrophe. Nevertheless, can we afford not to dismiss Genet?
Whether rhetorical or not, all theatre is catastrophic (katastrophe, to overturn); bad theatre is rhetorically so to boot. This is certainly the case in the theatre of language and logic of which we have had too much and against which only the genius of the poet can prevail. However, should the theatre of linguistics continue to prevail, we will be forced to rewrite our poetics again, calling production and performance accidental to the essence of the play.
“Here I am, all present and complete in this instant of ever-lasting time … “ declares Gide in one of his few attempts at dramatic composition—intending, thereby, to assault the universe anew, firmly holding himself precludedly victorious.