10.2 August Strindberg and naturalism in theatre
5 min read•august 13, 2024
, a Swedish playwright, revolutionized theatre with naturalism. His works like "" depicted realistic portrayals of life, focusing on heredity and environment as character determinants. Strindberg's plays explored complex psychological themes and power dynamics.
Strindberg's influence extended beyond Scandinavia, inspiring playwrights worldwide. His characters grapple with internal contradictions, reflecting human complexity. Strindberg's use of and autobiographical elements added depth to his works, blurring personal and universal themes.
Naturalism in Theatre
Defining Characteristics
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- Emerged in the late 19th century emphasizing a realistic portrayal of life on stage often focusing on the lower classes and their struggles
- Focuses on heredity and environment as determinants of character, emphasizes scientific objectivity, and rejects romantic and idealistic themes
- Presents a slice-of-life approach depicting everyday life and the social, economic, and psychological forces that shape human behavior (class struggles, poverty)
- Utilizes realistic sets, costumes, and lighting to create an illusion of reality on stage immersing the audience in the world of the play (detailed set design, period-appropriate clothing)
Naturalistic Acting and Staging
- Requires performers to embody their characters fully often drawing on their own emotions and experiences to create a sense of authenticity and psychological depth
- Actors use techniques such as emotional memory and the "magic if" to connect with their characters' inner lives and motivations (Stanislavski's system)
- Staging involves the use of realistic sets, props, and lighting to create a believable environment that reflects the characters' lives and circumstances (cluttered apartments, dimly lit streets)
- Naturalistic plays often feature a , with characters behaving as if unaware of the audience's presence, enhancing the illusion of reality (characters speaking to each other, not the audience)
Strindberg's Contributions to Naturalism
Seminal Works and Innovations
- August Strindberg (1849-1912), a Swedish playwright, novelist, and essayist, played a crucial role in the development of naturalistic theatre
- Strindberg's plays, such as "Miss Julie" (1888) and "" (1887), are considered seminal works of naturalism exploring complex psychological themes and power dynamics between characters (class conflict, gender roles)
- Innovative use of dialogue, often featuring overlapping and fragmented speech, helped to create a sense of and authenticity on stage (characters interrupting each other, trailing off)
- Emphasis on the inner lives of characters, their motivations, and psychological conflicts set a new standard for psychological depth in dramatic writing (characters' hidden desires, repressed emotions)
Influence and Legacy
- Strindberg's influence extended beyond Scandinavia inspiring playwrights and theatre practitioners across Europe and the United States (Eugene O'Neill, Tennessee Williams)
- Helped establish naturalism as a dominant force in modern theatre paving the way for later developments in realistic and psychological drama (Kitchen Sink realism, )
- Strindberg's techniques and themes continue to be explored and adapted by contemporary playwrights and directors (Ingmar Bergman, Lars von Trier)
- His works remain a key part of the theatrical canon and are regularly performed and studied worldwide (Broadway revivals, university courses)
Psychological Depth in Strindberg's Characters
Complex Inner Lives
- Strindberg's characters are known for their psychological complexity driven by deep-seated desires, fears, and conflicts that shape their actions and relationships
- Characters often grapple with internal contradictions and conflicting impulses reflecting the complexity of the human psyche (Miss Julie's attraction to and repulsion by Jean)
- The of Strindberg's characters helped pave the way for the development of modern drama influencing later playwrights (Eugene O'Neill's "Long Day's Journey into Night")
- Strindberg's exploration of the subconscious and irrational aspects of human behavior anticipated the work of later psychological realists (Anton Chekhov, Henrik Ibsen)
Symbolism and Metaphor
- Strindberg's use of symbolism and metaphor adds depth to his characters with objects and actions often serving as external manifestations of their inner states and desires (Miss Julie's pet bird, the Count's boots)
- Symbolic elements in Strindberg's plays can represent characters' psychological struggles, social positions, or the larger themes of the work (the kitchen in "Miss Julie" as a symbol of class division)
- Strindberg's use of dream-like imagery and surreal elements in his later works, such as "A Dream Play" (1901), further explored the psychological depths of his characters (Agnes's journey through the subconscious)
- The symbolic and metaphorical richness of Strindberg's plays invites multiple interpretations and encourages audiences to engage with the characters' inner lives on a deeper level (the meaning of the dance of death in "The Dance of Death")
Strindberg's Life vs His Plays
Autobiographical Elements
- Strindberg's tumultuous personal life, marked by failed marriages, mental health struggles, and a constant quest for artistic and spiritual fulfillment, had a profound impact on his dramatic works
- Many of Strindberg's plays, such as "The Father" and "The Dance of Death," draw on his own experiences of marital conflict and the battle of the sexes reflecting his complex and often troubled relationships with women (his three marriages, his divorce from Siri von Essen)
- The autobiographical elements in Strindberg's plays contribute to their emotional intensity and psychological depth blurring the lines between the personal and the universal (the character of the Captain in "The Father" as a reflection of Strindberg's own fears of emasculation)
Psychological and Spiritual Influences
- Strindberg's interest in psychology and the inner workings of the human mind, evident in his plays, was influenced by his own struggles with mental health and his engagement with the ideas of thinkers such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Sigmund Freud (his "Inferno" crisis, his interest in psychoanalysis)
- Spiritual and philosophical beliefs, which evolved throughout his life and included elements of mysticism, occultism, and a fascination with alchemy, also found expression in his dramatic works particularly in his later "chamber plays" ("The Ghost Sonata," "The Pelican")
- Strindberg's personal quest for meaning and transcendence is reflected in the spiritual journeys of many of his characters as they grapple with existential questions and the search for truth (the Stranger in "To Damascus," the Student in "The Ghost Sonata")
- The deeply personal nature of Strindberg's plays invites audiences to engage with the artist's own struggles and insights, offering a window into the complex relationship between life and art (Strindberg's preface to "Miss Julie," his autobiographical novel "The Son of a Servant")
Key Terms to Review (16)
August Strindberg: August Strindberg was a Swedish playwright and novelist known for his influential works that laid the groundwork for modern drama, particularly in the realm of naturalism and expressionism. His plays often explore complex themes such as human psychology, class struggles, and the conflicts between men and women, significantly impacting the trajectory of theatre in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
émile zola: Émile Zola was a French novelist, playwright, and a key figure in the development of naturalism in literature and theatre. His works emphasized the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior, advocating for a more scientific approach to storytelling, which significantly impacted theatre practitioners like August Strindberg and André Antoine. Zola's theories shaped the movement toward realistic representations in the arts, marking a departure from romanticism.
Environmental Determinism: Environmental determinism is the theory that the physical environment, particularly the climate and geography, shapes human behavior and cultural development. This idea suggests that people's lives and societies are heavily influenced by their surroundings, leading to distinct ways of living and thinking based on different environments. In the context of naturalism in theatre, this concept underscores how characters are often portrayed as products of their environment, emphasizing realism in human experiences.
Expressionism: Expressionism is an artistic movement that seeks to convey emotional experiences rather than physical reality, often using exaggerated forms and vivid colors. In theatre, it emphasizes the subjective experience of characters, prioritizing their internal emotions over a realistic portrayal of events. This approach was a reaction against the naturalism that dominated the stage, allowing for a more abstract and intense exploration of human feelings.
Fourth wall: The fourth wall is an invisible barrier between the audience and the performers in a theatrical performance. It creates a boundary that allows the audience to observe the action on stage without participating in it, making them passive observers. This concept is essential for understanding how plays create an illusion of reality and engage the audience's imagination, particularly in dramatic forms that emphasize realism and emotional connection.
Industrial revolution: The industrial revolution was a period of major industrialization that began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, marked by the transition from agrarian economies to industrialized and urban ones. This shift had profound effects on society, culture, and the economy, influencing art, literature, and performance forms, including theatre.
Miss Julie: Miss Julie is a play written by August Strindberg in 1888 that showcases the struggles of class, gender, and power dynamics through the interactions of its characters. The play is significant as it exemplifies early naturalism in theatre, highlighting the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior, which ties closely to the movements of realism and the exploration of psychological depth in character development.
Psychological realism: Psychological realism is a dramatic approach that emphasizes the inner thoughts, emotions, and motivations of characters, making their experiences and behaviors more relatable and authentic. This form of realism aims to capture the complexity of human psychology, portraying characters as multi-dimensional individuals rather than mere archetypes. The exploration of psychological realism has deeply influenced the development of modern drama and is particularly prominent in works that focus on character-driven narratives.
Realism: Realism is a movement in theatre that seeks to represent everyday life and society as it truly is, focusing on ordinary characters and events while eschewing romanticized or exaggerated portrayals. This approach emphasizes authenticity in dialogue, character development, and setting, aiming to create a more relatable and impactful experience for the audience. Realism marked a significant shift from previous theatrical styles, paving the way for modern drama and influencing various playwrights and theatre companies.
Slice of life: Slice of life refers to a theatrical approach that portrays everyday experiences, capturing the mundane aspects of human existence in a realistic manner. This style emphasizes authenticity and aims to present characters and situations that audiences can relate to, reflecting the intricacies of daily life without embellishment or dramatic exaggeration. It connects deeply with naturalism and realism, showcasing how ordinary lives can hold significant meaning.
Social Darwinism: Social Darwinism is a social theory that emerged in the late 19th century, which applies the concepts of natural selection and survival of the fittest to human societies and social structures. This ideology was used to justify social inequality, imperialism, and racism, suggesting that certain groups or individuals were inherently superior due to their evolutionary success. The connection to artistic movements like naturalism reflects the belief that human behavior and societal development are influenced by biological and environmental factors.
Stanislavski's Moscow Art Theatre: Stanislavski's Moscow Art Theatre, founded in 1898 by Konstantin Stanislavski and Vladimir Nemirovich-Danchenko, was a revolutionary theatre company that introduced new acting techniques and naturalistic approaches to performance. This theatre played a vital role in the development of modern acting by emphasizing the psychological depth of characters, emotional truth, and the importance of ensemble work, thereby influencing countless playwrights and actors, including those associated with naturalism.
Symbolism: Symbolism is a literary and artistic movement that emphasizes the use of symbols to express deeper meanings and evoke emotions. This technique goes beyond the literal to represent ideas, feelings, or concepts, allowing for more profound interpretations of characters, settings, and themes. In the context of drama, symbolism can convey complex social realities and psychological states without relying solely on dialogue or straightforward narrative.
The father: In the context of theatre, 'the father' often refers to a pivotal figure in early realism and naturalism, symbolizing the patriarchal authority that governs familial and societal relationships. This figure is essential in understanding the dynamics of power, conflict, and the human experience as portrayed in realist plays. The father archetype can represent both oppressive control and protective love, reflecting the complexities of human interactions within a changing social landscape.
The independent theatre movement: The independent theatre movement was a late 19th and early 20th-century initiative that aimed to create theatrical productions outside of the traditional commercial theatre system. This movement emphasized artistic freedom, innovative staging, and the exploration of serious themes, often challenging societal norms and censorship. It laid the groundwork for the development of modern drama by providing a platform for new playwrights and experimental works, influencing notable figures in theatre, including those who embraced naturalism.
Theatre of the absurd: Theatre of the absurd is a dramatic movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by its focus on the illogical, nonsensical aspects of human existence and the breakdown of communication. This style reflects a world where traditional narratives and structures are abandoned, often highlighting the futility and absurdity of life. The movement drew inspiration from existentialist philosophy and challenged conventional storytelling, paving the way for new forms of expression in modern theatre.