
Set against the shadowy avenues of Montparnasse Cemetery and the bustling streets of Paris, this collection of early‑twentieth‑century dramas plunges listeners into a world where ordinary encounters crack open deeper anxieties. In the opening scene, a grieving woman, her child, a watchful priest and a weary watchman circle a grave, their dialogue weaving superstition, desperation and a hint of looming danger. The vivid Parisian backdrop—crematoriums, gardens, and cafés—provides a stark stage for Strindberg’s incisive look at power, gender and the fragile promises of love.
Across the four plays, characters wrestle with expectations and betrayals, from a playwright whose reputation teeters on the edge of scandal to a widow whose hopes hinge on uncertain promises. Strindberg’s sharp wit and stark realism expose the cracks in social conventions, while his lyrical touches keep the tension alive. Listeners will find a compelling mix of suspense, dark humor, and the haunting echo of a city that both comforts and condemns.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (364K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-12-13
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1849–1912
A restless, fiercely original writer, this Swedish author helped reshape modern drama with psychologically intense plays and fearless self-examination. His work moves from sharp realism to dreamlike experimentation, and it still feels startlingly alive.
View all books