Audiobooks by August Strindberg

"The Dance of Death is a play in two parts by the Swedish dramatist August Strindberg, written in 1900. It depicts the dissolution of a marriage between Edgar, an artillery captain, and Alice, a former actress. Increasingly isolated in their fort-like house, they manipulate and bait each other, until the unexpected arrival of Curt, Alice's cousin. His presence creates a tense triangular relationship that escalates throughout Part One, and is complicated with the introduction of two of the trio's children, Allan and Judith, in Part Two."

August Strindberg (Author), XYZ Voices (Narrator)

Audiobook

The August Strindberg BBC Radio Collection: 13 Full-Cast Productions including Miss Julie, The Fathe

"A comprehensive selection of August Strindberg’s finest works, featuring an all-star cast and original music 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. First up is his debut play, the 1872 historical drama Master Olof. Influenced by Ibsen’s Brand, it centres around a revolutionary 16th-century priest’s defiance of the Catholic Church and the monarchy. It is followed by The Father, whose focus is paternity and the battle for power between a husband and wife. Sexuality and social class are scrutinised in a retelling of Strindberg’s classic play Miss Julie, placed in a Scottish context, while in Creditors, a Swedish seaside resort is the setting for marriage-wrecking revenge. Also set by the sea, Strindberg’s black comedy of manners Playing with Fire explores a love triangle between a young couple and their close friend. Begun in 1898 while Strindberg was recovering from a breakdown, To Damascus is a symbolic synthesis of his marital, religious and existential struggles. Erik XIV portrays the last years of the titular King of Sweden’s reign, as the increasingly unstable ruler becomes embroiled in a bitter feud with the nobility. Next is Ingmar Bergman’s version of A Dream Play, Strindberg’s oneiric fantasy exploring human suffering and life’s illusions. Easter tells the redemptive tale of a family fearing ruin who instead find hope, forgiveness and mercy. Performed for the first time in English, The Virgin Bride centres on a wedding that could reconcile two rival families – but can the bride prove her chastity by wearing a bridal crown? Following their father’s death, a brother and sister discover disturbing truths about their mother in The Pelican, and in The Ghost Sonata, adultery, murder and deceit are laid bare in the house of the living dead… Our final piece, Strindberg’s dark prose poem Inferno, recounts his experiments in alchemy and black magic, his sojourn in hell and his quest for faith and love. It is narrated by Alan Badel. These outstanding dramas feature star casts including Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Andrew Garfield, Rory Kinnear, Maurice Denham, Martin Jarvis, Trevor Howard, Peggy Ashcroft, Stephen Murray, Judy Bennett, Frank Finlay, Ian Richardson, Janet McTeer and Dorothy Tutin. First published 1872 (Master Olof), 1887 (The Father), 1888 (Miss Julie), 1889 (Creditors), 1892 (Playing with Fire), 1898-1904 (To Damascus), 1899 (Erik XIV), 1901 (A Dream Play, Easter, The Virgin Bride), 1907 (The Pelican), 1908 (The Ghost Sonata), 1912 (Inferno) First broadcast on BBC Radio, 1968-2005 © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

August Strindberg (Author), Andrew Garfield, Brian Cox, Elizabeth Proud, Fiona Shaw, Full Cast, Jonathan Coy, Martin Jarvis, Maurice Denham, Pauline Letts, Peggy Ashcroft, Rory Kinnear, Sarah Badel (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Dream Play: Full Cast Drama

"A Dream Play by August Strindberg stands as a revolutionary work in modern theater, renowned for its innovative approach to narrative and its profound exploration of the human psyche. Written in 1901 and first performed in 1907, the play delves into the depths of the subconscious, presenting a world where the distinction between reality and dreams dissolves. Strindberg, influenced by his personal struggles and philosophical inquiries, crafts a narrative that defies conventional structure, allowing scenes to flow seamlessly into one another, much like the fluid and unpredictable nature of dreams themselves. The play centers on Agnes, the daughter of the god Indra, who descends to Earth to experience the suffering of humanity. Through her journey, the audience is led through a series of vignettes that reflect the fragmented and often contradictory nature of human experience. Characters and settings morph without warning, embodying the dreamlike quality that Strindberg sought to capture. This disorienting effect is not merely a stylistic choice but serves to underscore the play's exploration of existential themes—life’s inherent suffering, the search for meaning, and the elusive nature of happiness. Strindberg's use of symbolism and surreal imagery further enhances the play's exploration of these themes, inviting audiences to engage with the work on a deeply emotional and intellectual level. The absence of clear boundaries within the play reflects the inner turmoil and contradictions of its characters, mirroring the struggles inherent in the human condition. A Dream Play is not just a theatrical piece but a philosophical inquiry into the nature of existence, where the lines between the possible and the impossible are constantly blurred, leaving the audience to question the very nature of reality itself."

August Strindberg (Author), Geoffrey Giuliano, Ross Cain, The Oracle (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Dance Of Death: Full Cast Drama

"The Dance of Death, also known as Danse Macabre, is a medieval allegory that symbolizes the universality of death. Originating in the late Middle Ages, it often depicted skeletons leading people of all social classes—kings, peasants, knights, and monks—towards their inevitable fate. This artistic and literary motif emerged during a time of significant upheaval, such as the Black Death and the Hundred Years' War, which led to an acute awareness of mortality. Through murals, woodcuts, and plays, the Dance of Death served as a reminder that death spares no one, emphasizing the transient nature of earthly life and the futility of worldly distinctions. The Dance of Death's macabre imagery and somber themes were prevalent in various European cultures, reflecting the collective consciousness of the era. Artists like Hans Holbein the Younger and Bernt Notke created iconic representations that resonated with the public. These works often featured intricate details, dark humor, and a poignant message about the equality of all people in the face of death. The Dance of Death not only provided a grim reflection on life and death but also encouraged viewers to live virtuously, as death could come at any moment. This enduring motif continues to inspire contemporary interpretations, underscoring its timeless relevance."

August Strindberg (Author), Geoffrey Giuliano, The Bell (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Dance of Death (Part 1 & 2)

"Come join me as we enter the scene of a remote military outpost where we'll experience the tumultuous relationship between two embittered souls as they confront the harsh realities of their disintegrating marriage. Oh how lives of others can be so easily dismantled by the whims of the few. 'I have lived a life of quiet desperation, clinging to the illusion of happiness. But now, as I stand on the precipice of oblivion, I see the truth with startling clarity. We are all prisoners of our own making, trapped in cages of our own design. And yet, even in the darkest of times, there is a flicker of light. A spark of hope that refuses to be extinguished. I may be flawed, imperfect, but I am still alive. And as long as there is life, there is the possibility of change.'"

August Strindberg (Author), Brendan Moir (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Dream Play

"In August Strindberg's 'A Dream Play,' the surreal landscape of dreams becomes the stage for a journey through the human experience. Set in a world where time and space are fluid, the play follows Agnes, the daughter of the Hindu god Indra, as she descends to Earth to understand the struggles of mortal life. Come join me where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur--where the depths of the subconscious mind are just out of reach, and where we question the need for meaning, the nature of suffering, and the possibility of transcendence. Through poetic language and striking imagery, 'A Dream Play' offers a profound meditation on the human condition and invites audiences to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and introspection, where the boundaries between dreams and reality dissolve, and anything is possible."

August Strindberg (Author), Brendan Moir (Narrator)

Audiobook

Crime & Crime: A Comedy in Four Acts

"Playwright Maurice is on the very verge of having success and notoriety upon the opening of his new play. In fact, he's so elated at his future prospects that he's decided to propose to his mistress, Jeanne once the evening is over. However, he comes into contact with a femme fatale named Henriette, who so beguiles him with danger and mystery that he doesn't attend his own show and instead spends the entire night with her, forgetting all about his mistress and child. Word spreads throughout France the following morning, and the public utterly shames the impromptu couple for spending the night together, causing the theater to pull Maurice's play, Jeanne to leave Maurice, and Henriette to scheme upon the molding of this now contemptible beast for her own means.... Come see the consequences of actions and the impact of societal expectations in this strange yet unwavering comedy known as 'Crime and Crime.'"

August Strindberg (Author), Brendan Moir (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Great Highway: A Contemplation in Seven Scenes

"Life, a fleeting shadow, a whisper in the wind, We wander lost, adrift in the void, Seeking solace in the darkness, Yet finding only echoes of our own despair. What is truth? What is meaning? These questions haunt me, torment me, As I tread the great highway of existence, Alone, and yet surrounded by the clamor of life. Oh, to find redemption in this wilderness, To glimpse the light amidst the shadows, But alas, it eludes me still, A distant dream, a fading hope. And so I wander on, a pilgrim of the soul, Seeking answers in the silence, Hoping against hope for a glimpse of truth, In this vast expanse of nothingness."

August Strindberg (Author), Brendan Moir (Narrator)

Audiobook

Swanwhite: A Fairy Play in Three Acts

"Step into the enchanting world of August Strindberg's 'Swanwhite,' a captivating fairy tale filled with magic, romance, and happy endings (who knew Strindberg was capable of that!). Swanwhite (a spirited young princess with a heart as pure as gold), at the behest of her father, begrudgingly obliges to marry a visiting King while he is away on campaign. But, when the young, handsome prince comes to her as a messenger for the King (a young prince who was spoken of in prophecy), Swanwhite finds herself torn between duty and love. How will she choose? Come see all of the enduring hallmarks of the fairy tale genre in this gloriously fashioned fairy play for the stage; safe for all ages, and enjoyable for those who are still kids at heart."

August Strindberg (Author), Brendan Moir (Narrator)

Audiobook

Miss Julie & The Stronger

"Two of the most influential and early feminist plays to have ever graced the stage, we have have Miss Julie and The Stronger. Miss Julie is a one act tragedy that finds itself in a similar vein as Henrik Ibsen's 'Hedda Gabbler' and 'A Doll's House,' in which the main woman of the play (Miss Julie) tries to take hold of her own destiny and break away from the system that has failed to meet her needs, but is unable (or unwilling) to see the consequences of her own actions--a desperate cry for legitimacy to a society that seems indifferent to her struggle. The Stronger, in comparison, is a ten minute play about the fallout of such a decision, and confronting that catalyst many years later--a contemplation on the manipulation of thought (both of the main character and the object of her insecurities) and the forgetfulness of coping."

August Strindberg (Author), Brendan Moir (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Creditors: A Tragedy in One Act

"When is vengeance justified? And to what extent? Adolf, an artist, is having martial problems with his independent wife Tekla. Meanwhile, Gustav, his friend, attempts to get Adolf to stand up for himself and 'be the man of the house.' But behind all of this superficial talk is a psychological war being waged on three fronts, and each party will do nearly anything to get their desires met. The only question now, is who will be the first to fall.... Join me in experiencing the first of many plays by August Strindberg this season, where we'll be exposed to various forms of existentialism, interpersonal dynamics, and the struggle for power amidst some light-hearted satire by Guy Wetmore Carryl. But for now, please, sit back, relax, and enjoy, 'The Creditors.'"

August Strindberg (Author), Brendan Moir (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Father: A Tragedy in Three Acts

"If you cast a reasonable doubt in someone, are you responsible for their actions? Especially when that doubt was planted in order to manipulate? This is one of the central questions posed in August Strindberg's 'The Father,' a three act play about a power struggle between the over-domineering Adolf and his wife Laura as they discuss the future plans for their child. All doubts come to a head, however, when Laura points out that a child's paternity can never be proven, and thus, under common law, strips Adolf of his power over the child. Through deceit, treachery, and manipulation, the plan to get rid of 'The Father' is set in motion, and only time will tell if Adolf is a madman filled to the brim with jealous rage or righteous fury."

August Strindberg (Author), Brendan Moir (Narrator)

Audiobook