From BBC Radio 4 comes a captivating reimagined version of August Strindberg's 1888 stage play. This adaptation, by Roger James Elsgood, features an outstanding cast including Sofie Grabol, Lars Mikkelsen, and Marie Bach Hansen. Strindberg's original "Miss Julie" centered around a well-bred woman from the land-owning classes, Julie, who has a passionate one-night stand with her father's valet, Jean. Over a midsummer night, they engage in deep discussions about their different stations in life. Emboldened by alcohol, Julie goads Jean to cross the social, economic, and sexual boundaries that separate them, ultimately seducing him into her bed. However, after their lovemaking, the power dynamics in their relationship reverse. Jean now holds power over Julie as she realizes her vulnerability to exposure and disgrace. Julie becomes conflicted about the consequences of their actions and, with no one else to turn to, depends on Jean for advice. Jean, on the other hand, is worried about losing his job and devises a lethal plan that serves his own interests.
In this new version, the themes that drive the dramatic conclusion are not primarily those of social class, status, and breeding. Instead, they focus on gender, identity, and sexual orientation - issues that Victorian-era audiences were not prepared for but are now being openly debated. The production was recorded on location in a beautiful 19th-century country house in Ballerup on the island of Zealand in Denmark. With its talented cast, thought-provoking adaptation, and stunning setting, this new version of "Miss Julie" is sure to engage and captivate audiences. Written by August Strindberg and adapted by Roger James Elsgood, it is directed by Willi Richards and produced by Roger James Elsgood. It is an Art and Adventure production for BBC Radio 4.
If one reads the play in isolation, detached from its author, it is truly impressive; fine language and a captivating atmosphere. It is even enhanced by the beautiful dramatization on SVT. But if one reads Strindberg's preface to Miss Julie, then suddenly the whole play falls apart. What was wrong with that old man???? He has managed to depict two very nuanced and for his time modern characters but does not understand them at all himself. He has Julie reason intelligently about women's freedom, has her personify the conflict between being sexually inferior and socioeconomically superior, but still mocks and rejects her character and arguments. It's good that he's dead.
Strindberg's work, when taken at face value, seems to offer a profound exploration of complex themes. The language used is rich and engaging, drawing the reader or viewer into a world full of drama and tension. However, when one delves deeper and examines his preface, a different picture emerges. His attitude towards the characters he has created seems contradictory and perhaps even dismissive. This undermines the power and significance of the play, leaving the audience with a sense of disappointment and confusion. It makes one wonder what Strindberg was really trying to achieve with this work and whether he truly understood the implications of the ideas he was presenting.
Strindberg was indeed a rather blatant misogynist, and this aspect is vividly manifested in this play. Regrettably, I was compelled to read this for my university studies. Aside from the misogynistic storyline and his extremely adversarial stance in the women's rights movement during 19th-century Sweden, I also found the plot development rather peculiar. Most of the events seemed to occur out of thin air, lacking a proper and logical explanation. It truly is my sincere hope that I will never again have to read anything else written by Strindberg for my university coursework. I believe that there are many other works of literature that can offer more valuable insights and engaging narratives without the burden of such harmful and outdated views.
Domnișoara Iulia, a 25-year-old young woman, is completely absorbed by life. She endeavors to break the norms of the times, regardless of the prejudices that are woven around her. Her states vary from that of a mature woman who is concerned about her condition to that of a spoiled child who simply awaits to have things done to her liking.
August Stringberd highlights the condition of the independent woman who strives to assert herself and escape the shadow of the man. This young lady does not wish to feel that she belongs to a man but rather that she holds the power over him.
The reading of this play captures your attention and makes you a participant in the exchange of dialogues between Domnișoara Iulia and the valet Jean. It takes you on a journey through their complex relationship and the social context in which they exist. You become immersed in their world, experiencing their emotions and conflicts as if they were your own. This play offers a thought-provoking exploration of gender roles, power dynamics, and the struggle for independence in a society that often restricts and confines.
I definitely didn't like it the first time. The experience was rather underwhelming and left me with a sense of dissatisfaction. Then, the second time around, it wasn't much better. I still didn't have a particularly strong liking for it. However, something interesting happened. I discovered that when it was presented in Swedish, it took on a whole new dimension. There was something about the Swedish language that seemed to enhance the essence of it. Maybe it was the unique cadence or the way the words were pronounced. Whatever it was, it made me realize that there was more to it than I initially thought. At least now, I have a newfound appreciation for it in Swedish, and it has opened my eyes to the possibility that different languages can bring out different aspects of a thing.