Selected Plays, Volume I

A collection of six of Strindberg’s best plays spanning his “pre-inferno” period

August Strindberg is often considered the father of modern Swedish literature. His vast output of plays was innovative in style and form. Volume 1 of Selected Plays presents selections from the beginning of his career, before his period of psychotic attacks in the 1890s, including Master Olof, The Father, Miss Julie, Creditors, The Stronger, and Playing with Fire.

Our leading Strindberg critic and biographer has given us some splendid translations of Strindberg’s most playable works. His unerring theatrical sense makes these volumes invaluable for both scholars and practitioners.

—

Robert Brustein, American Repertory Theater

Tags

Literature, Art and Performance, Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, Scandinavia

August Strindberg is often considered the father of modern Swedish literature. His vast output of plays was innovative in style and form. Volume 1 of Selected Plays presents selections from the beginning of his career, before his period of psychotic attacks in the 1890s. Master Olof (1872) is a historical drama set in early Reformation Sweden, influenced by Ibsen and Shakespeare. Two of his most produced plays today, The Father (1887) and Miss Julie (1888), are examples of his naturalistic plays. Strindberg described Creditors (1888), a tragicomedy, as his “most mature work.” The Stronger (1889), a playlet, is a favorite in acting classes. Playing with Fire (1893) is one of his few comedies. These plays deal with Strindberg’s preoccupation with power struggles and sexual warfare.

August Strindberg (1849–1912) was a Swedish playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, and painter. He wrote more than sixty plays.

Evert Sprinchorn is professor emeritus of drama at Vassar College.

Ann-Charlotte Gavel Adams is professor of Scandinavian studies at the University of Washington.

Anna Westerståhl Stenport is associate professor of Scandinavian studies and theater at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign.

Our leading Strindberg critic and biographer has given us some splendid translations of Strindberg’s most playable works. His unerring theatrical sense makes these volumes invaluable for both scholars and practitioners.

—

Robert Brustein, American Repertory Theater

Contents

Introduction: Strindberg and the Stage
Ann-Charlotte Gavel Adams and Anna Westerståhl Stenport

Selected Plays: Volume I

Introduction

Master Olof
The Father
Miss Julie
Creditors
The Stronger
Playing with Fire

Strindberg’s Plays
Selected Readings