August Strindberg is often considered the father of modern Swedish literature. His vast output of plays was innovative in style and form. Volume 1 of Selected Plays presents selections from the beginning of his career, before Strindberg’s period of psychotic attacks in the 1890s. Master Olof (1872) is a historical drama set in early Reformation Sweden, influenced by Ibsen and Shakespeare. Two of his most produced plays today, The Father (1887) and Miss Julie (1888), are examples of his naturalistic plays. Strindberg described Creditors (1888), a tragicomedy, as his “most mature work.” The Stronger (1889), a playlet, is a favorite in acting classes. Playing with Fire (1893) is one of his few comedies. These plays deal with Strindberg’s preoccupation with power struggles and sexual warfare.

August Strindberg (1849–1912) was a Swedish playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, and painter. He wrote over sixty plays.

Evert Sprinchorn is professor emeritus of drama at Vassar College. 

Ann-Charlotte Gavel Adams is professor of Scandinavian studies at the University of Washington.

Anna Westerståhl Stenport is associate professor of Scandinavian studies and theater at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign.