The Dance of Death

The authoritative translation by Arvid Paulson reproduces the original’s variations of tone, now colloquial and almost comedic, now of tragic eloquence. An introduction by Daniel Seltzer discusses Strindberg’s dramatic methods, places the play in the context of his work, and assesses his influence on the playwrights of today. The translator’s performance notes summarize The Dance of Death’s stage history.

During the past two decades, The Dance of Death, Strindberg’s long and taxing family drama, has come to be considered his masterpiece. Produced by major companies in New York and London, filmed once with Erich von Stroheim and then with Sir Laurence Olivier in the lead, adapted by Friedrich Dürrenmatt as Play Strindberg, and a direct influence on Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, The Dance of Death has established itself as one of the key works of the modern theater.