Final answer:
A controversial moment in theatre began when the title character in the play Ubu Roi began the play by uttering the French word for "merde" (excrement).
Step-by-step explanation:
The controversial moment in theatre mentioned refers to the premiere of "Ubu Roi," a play written by Alfred Jarry, which took place on December 10, 1896, at Théâtre de l'Œuvre in Paris. The play caused a scandal right from the start when the character Père Ubu, the protagonist, opened the play with the word "merdre," a deliberate misspelling of the French word for excrement, "merde."
Jarry's use of this vulgar and socially unacceptable language at the beginning of the play was a deliberate act of rebellion against conventional theatrical norms. It was a statement challenging traditional ideas of decorum and propriety in the arts. The word "merdre" was not only provocative in itself but also symbolized a rejection of societal norms and a desire to shock the audience.
This intentional disruption of theatrical conventions marked the beginning of the Theatre of the Absurd and was a precursor to avant-garde movements in the arts. "Ubu Roi" had a profound impact on the course of theatre history, influencing subsequent generations of playwrights and artists who sought to push the boundaries of artistic expression. The use of provocative language and the defiance of established norms in "Ubu Roi" became a defining moment in the evolution of modern theatre.