1891-1899
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 January 2021
Summary
To Richard Bergh (1858-1919), Swedish painter. A leading force among the artists who seceded from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in 1885, Bergh was an outstanding portraitist of contemporaries and friends. He described S as “the most interesting model I have ever had. I read in his face, with its many lines of fate, as in a marvelous book.”
Djursholm, September 27, 1991. [-] In light of the assured success, our intention would be to try, in due time, either to found a company for a Strindberg Bühne or persuade Egnell, the restaurant's creditor to build a theatre out here [-].
To Fredrik Vult von Steijern (1851–1919), journalist, editor of the daily Dagens Nyheter, and a benefactor of S.
Dalarö, May 2, 1892. [-] The unfortunate thing about my plays in book form is that they are meant for the stage, and hence make no impact when read. Creditors was recently performed in Uppsala and seems to have made an enormous impression [-]. It was ridiculed when it first appeared in print! [-]
To Adolf Paul (1863–1943), Finland-Swedish writer, acquainted with S in the period 1892–94 when S lived in Berlin and Austria. During this period, Paul was often cast in the role of S's literary amanuensis and errand boy.
London, June 12, 1893. [-] A theatre in Berlin! [-]
I have two actresses, beautiful, cultured, and well dressed.
However, I don't think we should rent some notorious pub premises.
Do you still feel for it? Then put out some feelers ahead of time when you go down to Berlin.
The name shall be The Strindberg Theatre, if we obtain a permit? That is the first question. Furthermore, we have to begin with something that won't run into trouble with the censors! [-]
To Richard Bergh.
July 9, 1894. [-] Should anything else be done for me, nothing seems more suitable or honorable to our country than this: Give me a theatre!
Sweden lacked a drama; I created one, and one which will soon be the best in the world. [-]
In order to write plays there must be some prospect of having them performed. The theatre should be small and simple, a converted courtyard or large room. Not a new building but a rented one.
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- Information
- Strindberg on Drama and TheatreA Source Book, pp. 85 - 90Publisher: Amsterdam University PressPrint publication year: 2007