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Overview

Synopsis

In his sequel to The Dance of Death, Part 1, August Strindberg continues his symbolist exploration of cruelty and unrequited passions. At the brink of death in the previous play, the Captain is now a picture of robust health, showing care and compassion for his wife Alice and her cousin Curt. But Alice remains suspicious of her husband’s motives--paranoia that is well-founded, as the Captain has manipulated military officers and family members to turn against each other before. Alice’s fears are realized: The Captain has taken steps to ruin Curt, both emotionally and financially. At the same time, their daughter Judith is coming of age and caught in a love triangle--and her father is eager to marry her off to an older Colonel in the promise of position and power. However, no matter how much he tries to dance from its grasp, the Captain cannot escape the inevitable grip of death. Much like its predecessor, The Dance of Death, Part 2 is a symbolist masterpiece that examines the dark psychology of human relationships.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
3
First Produced
1901
Genres
Drama
Settings
Period, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
a fortress tower, 1900s, an island in Sweden
Cast Size
small
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Mature Adult, Adult, Late Teen, Young Adult Characters

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Captain

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Alice

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Curt

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Allan

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Judith

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Lieutenant

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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Videos

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Quizzes

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Cindi Calhoun

Cindi Calhoun

Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress