Eszter Szalczer

Dramatist, theatre practitioner, novelist, and painter, August Strindberg’s diverse dramatic output embodied the modernist sensibility. He was above all one of the most radical innovators of Western theatre.This book provides an insightful assessment of Strindberg’s vital contribution to the dramatic arts, while placing his creative process and experimental approach within a wider cultural context. Eszter Szalczer explores Strindberg’s re-definition of drama as a fluid, constantly evolving form that profoundly influenced playwriting and theatrical production from the German Expressionists to the Theatre of the Absurd. Key productions of Strindberg’s plays are analysed, examining his theatre as a living voice that continues to challenge audiences, critics, and even the most innovative directors.August Strindberg provides an essential and accessible guide to the playwright’s work and illustrates the influence of his drama on our understanding of contemporary theatre.

Dramatist, theatre practitioner, novelist, and painter, August Strindberg’s diverse dramatic output embodied the modernist sensibility. He was above all one of the most radical innovators of Western theatre.This book provides an insightful assessment of Strindberg’s vital contribution to the dramatic arts, while placing his creative process and experimental approach within a wider cultural context. Eszter Szalczer explores Strindberg’s re-definition of drama as a fluid, constantly evolving form that profoundly influenced playwriting and theatrical production from the German Expressionists to the Theatre of the Absurd. Key productions of Strindberg’s plays are analysed, examining his theatre as a living voice that continues to challenge audiences, critics, and even the most innovative directors.August Strindberg provides an essential and accessible guide to the playwright’s work and illustrates the influence of his drama on our understanding of contemporary theatre.

Minnen är vittnesmål från det förflutna och grundstenar för nuet. August Strindberg använde sitt liv som källa för sitt kreativa skapande. Det är ofta svårt att skilja hans liv från hans fiktion. På liknande sätt formas vår förståelse av Strindbergs verk mot bakgrund av våra egna liv. Den tjugoandra internationella Strindbergskonferensen hölls i Kungl. Vitterhetsakademiens lokaler i Stockholm 2023. Tjugo bidrag från konferensen har samlats i denna volym. Några av de frågor som behandlas är historiska influenser i Strindbergs dramatik, minne och melankoli, minne och glömska, faderskap samt Strindbergs betydelse utanför Sverige. Åter visar sig hans liv och verk vara en nästan outtömlig källa för nya perspektiv på författarskapet. * * * The 22nd International Strindberg Conference took place in Stockholm at Kungl. Vitterhetsakademien from 31 May to 1 June 2023, centred around the theme “Strindberg and Memory” (Strindberg och minne). More than 40 scholars and translators hailing from various European countries (France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland ), as well as from the USA, participated in the event. Over two intense conference days, 28 papers were presented, of which 20 are included in this volume. The topics covered in the presentations varied, ranging from the analysis of different themes in Strindberg’s work to the significance of translations. Scholars shared their experiences of working with Strindberg’s plays and explored his influence on other authors. Yet again, Strindberg’s work proved to be a remarkable source of inspiration for discussions and reflections encompassing both present and past ideas and concepts.