Showing results by author "August Strindberg" in All Categories

Hailed by Arthur Miller as ‘the mad inventor of modern theatre’, Johan August Strindberg was a Swedish playwright, poet and novelist whose groundbreaking works mingled naturalism and psychology and paved the way for Expressionist drama. A prolific writer – penning over 60 plays, 19 novels and nine autobiographies – his turbulent life was marked by emotional conflict. This wide-ranging collection brings together 13 of his most important dramas and a semi-autobiographical ‘occult diary’, enhanced through stunning soundscapes and music composed by Strindberg himself.

At a secluded seaside hotel, Adi (Smith), a struggling painter, finds his creative spark reignited by Gustav (Schreiber), a magnetic stranger. Their connection is instant and consuming, but what begins as a chance encounter twists into something far darker when Gustav becomes intrigued by Adi’s wife, the dazzling Tekla (Siff). Talk into the night devolves into an intricate web of deception, seduction, and revelation, where the lives of all involved may be destroyed or transformed.

"The Red Room" (Swedish: "Röda rummet") is a satire of Stockholm society, it has frequently been described as the first modern Swedish novel. While receiving mixed reviews in Sweden, it was acclaimed in Denmark, where Strindberg was hailed as a genius. As a result of "The Red Room", Strindberg became famous throughout Scandinavia. Edvard Brandes wrote that it "makes the reader want to join the fight against hypocrisy and reaction".

Miss Julie is probably the most famous play by the Swedish playwright August Strindberg, one of the founding fathers of naturalistic theater. In this claustrophobic drama, the interplay between social order and individual identity is explored in great detail. At the end the aristocratic Julie, goaded by her manipulative manservant, John, is faced with the ultimate decision: independence or annihilation.

In this series we try to offer up tried and trusted ‘Top Tens’ across many different themes and authors. But any anthology will immediately throw up the questions – Why that story? Why that author? In this volume the once forgotten literary backwaters of Scandinavia, and its hinterland, reveal the storied works of their own literature. Some names are familiar, some decidedly not. But each has literary talents and compelling narratives.

In There are Crimes and Crimes, we follow Maurice, a promising playwright who, buoyed by his confidence, proposes to his mistress, Jeanne. However, when he encounters Henriette, the alluring mistress of his friend, his passion ignites in ways he never expected. Their mutual attraction spirals into a whirlwind romance that quickly becomes chaotic and dangerous. As tragedy unfolds, both Maurice and Henriette find themselves entangled in a web of murder accusations that threaten to shatter their lives forever. This gripping tale explores the themes of passion, tragedy, redemption, and the quest ...

Dance of Death is a gripping two-part play by Swedish playwright August Strindberg, penned in 1900. It explores the unraveling of a marriage between Edgar, an artillery captain, and Alice, a former actress, as they become increasingly ensnared in their isolated, fortress-like home. The tension mounts as they manipulate and provoke one another, leading to the unexpected arrival of Curt, Alices cousin. This intrusion intensifies their already fraught dynamic, creating a tangled triangle that heightens the drama. The narrative further evolves in Part Two with the introduction of their children, ...

Since its inception in the 19th Century photography has been a trusted source capturing both truth and reality. It cannot lie. Our eyes may deceive us, but the camera cannot. In this volume whilst our classic authors are at the early edge of photography’s development, they use it in ways that are both innovative and atmospheric as very often the camera and the photographer become a central part in many fascinating stories.

"Efter tio års vistelse i landsorten är jag åter i min födelsestad och sitter nu vid ett middagsbord bland de gamla vännerna. Vi äro mer eller mindre femtioåringar allesammans, och de yngre i sällskapet äro över fyrtio eller omkring. Vi förvånas över att vi icke ha åldrats sen sist. Det syns visserligen litet grått i skägg och vid tinningar här och där, men så finns det också de som blivit yngre sedan sist ... " "Ensam" är en självbiografisk novell av August Strindberg som publicerades 1903.

Short stories have always been a sort of instant access into an author’s brain, their soul and heart. They can lift our lives into locations, people and experiences with a sweep of landscape, narration, feelings and emotions that is difficult to achieve elsewhere. In this volume we come up against the definition of Northern Europe. There are many, each with plausibility and each so obvious. So, here’s ours.

"Han kom som ett yrväder en aprilafton och hade ett höganäskrus i en svångrem om halsen." När fastlänningen Carlsson kommer till hemsö för att hjälpa änkan Flod med sitt lantbruk har han höga ambitioner. Men det blir inte riktigt som han tänkt sig. Flods son Gusten tycker genast illa om Carlsson och deras relation blir allt sämre allt eftersom sommaren passerar. Samtidigt förälskar sig Carlsson i en av gårdens pigor men hans uppvaktning uppskattas inte och ansvaret för gården tynger honom.

Although he achieved notable success as a novelist, poet, essayist, and painter, August Strindberg is best known today as one of the first and most significant masters of naturalist theatre. Among his many dramatic works are a number of one-act plays, four of which are presented in this recording. All of the plays feature a persistent theme in Strindberg's works: the inevitable disillusion that results from intense involvement in relationships, whether they be familial, romantic or circumstantial.

Dream Play (Swedish Ett drömspel), penned by the renowned Swedish playwright August Strindberg in 1901, made its debut in Stockholm on April 17, 1907. This celebrated work is regarded as one of Strindbergs most influential dramas and serves as a pivotal precursor to both dramatic Expressionism and Surrealism. The story follows Agnes, the daughter of the Vedic god Indra, as she descends to Earth to witness the trials and tribulations of humanity. Throughout her journey, she encounters a diverse cast of around 40 characters, many of whom symbolize various aspects of human existence—such as ...

The Father is a gripping naturalistic drama penned by the renowned Swedish playwright August Strindberg. At the heart of this intense narrative lies the tumultuous conflict between a Captain and his wife, Laura, as they grapple over the future of their daughter, Bertha. In a desperate bid for sole custody, Laura devises a plan to convince the Captain that he is losing his sanity. Join us as we delve into the emotional and psychological battles that unfold in this powerful exploration of family dynamics. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

Charles Dickens ist ein Könner der Unterhaltung mit Tiefgang, Humor und kritischem Engagement, sein Roman „Oliver Twist", vielfach verfilmt, bleibt ein Standardwerk der Moderne. Das gilt auch für das naturalistische Drama „Fräulein Julie" von August Strindberg aus dem Jahr 1888, in dem der Schwede den Sprengstoff des Herzens und den Sprengstoff des Klassenkampfes auf der Bühne explodieren lässt.

Step into the haunting world of The Ghost Sonata (Spöksonaten), a mesmerizing three-act play by the renowned Swedish playwright August Strindberg. First staged at Strindbergs Intimate Theatre in Stockholm on January 21, 1908, this pivotal work marks a significant moment in the evolution of modernist drama. In this chamber play, Strindberg weaves a surreal narrative where the supernatural coexists with the mundane—ghosts wander in broad daylight, a stunning woman is ensnared in the form of a mummy hidden away in a closet, and a household cook drains all vitality from the meals before serving...

In Fräulein Julie, einer der berühmtesten Tragödien August Strindbergs, treffen gesellschaftliche Hierarchie, unterdrückte Begierden und psychologische Machtspiele aufeinander. Das Drama entfaltet sich in der Nacht des Mittsommers – zwischen der adeligen Julie und dem Diener Jean entsteht ein Spiel aus Anziehung, Stolz und Demütigung. Obwohl Julie sozial über Jean steht, kehrt sich die Machtbalance zunehmend um – mit unausweichlichen Konsequenzen. Ein intensives Kammerspiel über Geschlechterrollen, soziale Spannungen und emotionale Abgründe.

Step into the world of August Strindbergs gripping one-act drama, Countess Julie, where social boundaries blur and passions ignite. Set against the backdrop of Midsummer Eve festivities, this intense tale unfolds between three characters Julie, a fervent young noblewoman; Jean, her ambitious fathers valet; and Kristin, the cook and Jeans fiancée. As the night unfolds, Julie and Jeans reckless intimacy leads to unforeseen and tragic consequences. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

Join Arvid Falk, a young and idealistic civil servant, as he breaks free from the monotony of bureaucracy to pursue a life as a journalist and author. In his quest for truth, he delves into the worlds of politics, publishing, theatre, philanthropy, and business, only to uncover a web of hypocrisy and corruption that challenges his beliefs. Seeking solace and inspiration, he finds a community of bohemians who gather in a vibrant red dining room at Berns Salonger to engage in spirited discussions about these pressing issues.

August Strindberg belongs to the same generation of authors as the Russian Chekhov and the Norwegian Ibsen. Strindberg stands at the crossroads of such decisive influences as those of Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Schiller, Zola, Byron, or Freud's precursors such as Bernheim. He absorbed the aesthetic trends of his time, particularly naturalism. Four of his short stories are presented in this audiobook: The German Lieutenant; Unwelcome; Over-refinement; Paul & Peter.