12-Weird Lit Tales: The Christmas that saved Sartre

https://buymeacoffee.com/cuentososcuros Jean-Paul Sartre was inspired to write his first play about Christmas, even though he was an atheistic, existentialist philosopher. In 1940, during World War II, he was captured by German troops and sent to a prison camp in Trier. Although he spent nine months there, he didn't stop writing. As Christmas approached, he wanted to lift the spirits of his fellow prisoners and composed a play called Barioná, the Son of Thunder. The play, which combines the birth of Jesus with reflections on freedom and oppression, was performed on December 24, 1940. The warm reception it received surprised everyone. Even the German soldiers applauded enthusiastically. Its popularity was such that some say it was thanks to its success that Sartre was able to secure his release.