The Strindberg Project
In an ongoing collaboration with playwright Larry Carr, some of Strindberg's plays are being translated into English for the first time and adapted to a contemporary audience, as well as new translations of his better known plays. Apparently, most of Strindberg's works have already been translated into English, but the editions are usually quite dated, and amazingly enough both works of prose and fiction can be found that have yet remained quite hidden form the world outside of Sweden. Apart from the plays we are also looking into possibly adapting some of his short stories onto the stage.
The Process
I and Larry at Suny New Paltz Honor Center
On April 27th 2008 we made a speech about the process and difficulties of translating in the Honor Center at Suny New Paltz.
To read briefly about August Strindberg and the plays translated or in the works look on page: Strindberg & The plays.
In our translations we strive to keep the tone of language truthful to Strindberg, while simultaneously accessible to a modern audience. Strindberg could be very sharp and blunt, but also extremely lyrical in his language. One of the difficulties is that Swedish words often express both a visual image and a literary meaning at the same time, thereby implying dual significance. Moreover, the language is very specific and words with the same meaning are used differently depending on degree of intensity and type of relationship. Usually, when translating into English, only one meaning of the word can be
chosen to keep the language sharp, and sometimes another corresponding expression must be found that an English speaking audience can relate to. To have a native speaker of each language is truly an advantage. Plays translated so far are
'Playing with Fire', a one act play, and 'Mr. Bengt's Wife', a full length play translated into English for the first time. Currently in the works are 'The secret of the Guild', another full length play never before translated into English, and one
of his short stories.
chosen to keep the language sharp, and sometimes another corresponding expression must be found that an English speaking audience can relate to. To have a native speaker of each language is truly an advantage. Plays translated so far are
'Playing with Fire', a one act play, and 'Mr. Bengt's Wife', a full length play translated into English for the first time. Currently in the works are 'The secret of the Guild', another full length play never before translated into English, and one
of his short stories.
The Readings
While working on a play it's always useful to hear actors read the play out loud
and have them bring their creative input to the characters. It can provide
invaluable input to how the play reads and is working.
Larry and I had an informal reading with actors for both Playing With Fire and
Mr. Bengt's Wife. At an informal reading there is no audience but just the actors and the writers. The next stage is to do a simple staged reading infront of an audience to see how they respond. This is the process of developing the play and find the places where certain rewrites may be necessary.
On August 27 2011, Mr. Bengt's Wife had a staged reading for the public in
Newburgh. It was produced by the Railroad Theater Company and directed
by Seth Soloway.
For more information about the plays and to inquire about possible production of these plays, please contact: Larry Carr at: http://www.carrwriter.com/
and have them bring their creative input to the characters. It can provide
invaluable input to how the play reads and is working.
Larry and I had an informal reading with actors for both Playing With Fire and
Mr. Bengt's Wife. At an informal reading there is no audience but just the actors and the writers. The next stage is to do a simple staged reading infront of an audience to see how they respond. This is the process of developing the play and find the places where certain rewrites may be necessary.
On August 27 2011, Mr. Bengt's Wife had a staged reading for the public in
Newburgh. It was produced by the Railroad Theater Company and directed
by Seth Soloway.
For more information about the plays and to inquire about possible production of these plays, please contact: Larry Carr at: http://www.carrwriter.com/