Page "Alfred Jarry" Paragraph 11

On opening night ( 10 December 1896 ), with traditionalists and the avant-garde in the audience, King Ubu ( played by Firmin Gémier ) stepped forward and intoned the opening word, " Merdre!

" (" Shittr !").

A quarter of an hour of pandemonium ensued: outraged cries, booing, and whistling by the offended parties, countered by cheers and applause by the more forward-thinking contingent.

Such interruptions continued through the evening.

At the time, only the dress rehearsal and opening night performance were held, and the play was not revived until after Jarry's death.