5.3 Dream plays and subjective realism

August Strindberg revolutionized theatre with his dream plays, blending reality and imagination to explore characters' inner worlds. These works used subjective realism to depict psychological experiences, creating an intense, dreamlike atmosphere that immersed audiences in characters' minds.

Strindberg's dream plays marked a shift from naturalism, using symbolism and non-linear narratives to delve into complex themes. This innovative approach influenced Expressionist and Surrealist theatre, paving the way for modern explorations of the human psyche on stage.

Subjective Realism in Strindberg's Dream Plays

Definition and characteristics of subjective realism

• Subjective realism depicts the inner psychological reality and emotional experiences of characters rather than objective, external reality
• Blurs or distorts the boundaries between the real and the imaginary, the conscious and the subconscious to reflect the characters' subjective experiences
• Creates a sense of heightened emotional intensity and psychological depth by drawing the audience into the characters' subjective experiences
• Allows for the exploration of complex inner lives, dreams, fantasies, and psychological struggles

Strindberg's pioneering use of subjective realism in dream plays

• Strindberg's dream plays, such as "A Dream Play" (1901) and "The Ghost Sonata" (1907), are pioneering examples of subjective realism in theatre
• These plays delve into the characters' dreams, fantasies, and psychological struggles, reflecting their inner experiences
• Strindberg's use of subjective realism creates a dreamlike, emotionally intense atmosphere that immerses the audience in the characters' psyches
• The dream plays mark a significant departure from the naturalistic theatre of the time, focusing on the subjective rather than the objective

Symbolism and Non-linearity in Strindberg's Dream Plays

Extensive use of symbolism

• Objects, characters, and settings often serve as metaphors for deeper psychological or emotional states
• In "A Dream Play," the growing castle symbolizes the protagonist's search for meaning and enlightenment
• Characters encountered in the dream plays represent different aspects of human existence or facets of the protagonist's psyche
• Symbolism allows for the exploration of complex themes and ideas in a condensed, evocative manner

Non-linear narratives and unconventional staging

• Dream play narratives are often non-linear and fragmented, mirroring the disjointed and irrational nature of dreams
• Scenes may shift abruptly, and characters may appear and disappear without logical explanation, creating a sense of disorientation
• Minimal or abstract sets, expressionistic lighting, and stylized acting create a dreamlike atmosphere and emphasize the characters' subjective experiences
• Unconventional staging techniques allow Strindberg to break free from the constraints of naturalism and create a more fluid, malleable theatrical world

Strindberg's Dream Plays vs Expressionism and Surrealism

Influence on Expressionist theatre

• Strindberg's dream plays are a major influence on the development of Expressionist theatre in early 20th-century Germany
• Expressionist playwrights (Georg Kaiser, Ernst Toller) drew inspiration from Strindberg's use of subjective realism, symbolism, and unconventional staging
• Expressionist plays explored the inner lives of characters and critiqued social and political issues, building upon Strindberg's innovations
• Strindberg's dream plays helped pave the way for the emotionally intense, psychologically driven works of Expressionism

Anticipation of Surrealist theatre

• Strindberg's dream plays anticipated the development of Surrealist theatre in 1920s France
• Surrealist playwrights (Antonin Artaud, Guillaume Apollinaire) were influenced by Strindberg's use of dreamlike imagery, non-linear narratives, and psychological exploration
• The dream plays' exploration of the irrational, subconscious aspects of the human mind aligned with Surrealist interests
• Strindberg's works helped break down the boundaries between the real and the imaginary in theatre, a key tenet of Surrealism

Lasting impact on 20th-century theatre

• The legacy of Strindberg's dream plays can be seen in the work of numerous 20th-century playwrights
• Samuel Beckett and Eugene O'Neill continued to explore the subjective, psychological dimensions of theatre, building upon Strindberg's foundations
• The dream plays' influence extends beyond Expressionism and Surrealism, inspiring generations of playwrights to delve into the complexities of the human psyche
• Strindberg's pioneering use of subjective realism, symbolism, and unconventional staging helped shape the course of modern theatre