Strindberg's THE STRONGER w/ Bret Crain & Christina Dow (Pt 2 of 2)

August Strindberg's one-act play "The Stronger" starring Bret Crain & Christina Dow performed at Edgemar Center in Santa Monica, California in the Fall of 2008. With Katelyn Statton, stage production directed by Elina de Santos, filmed and edited by Craig Wyrick-Solari. (PART I OF II)

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Entertainment

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• Strindberg
• The
• Stronger
• Bret
• Crain
• Christina
• Dow
• stage
• play
• live
• performance
• catfight
• 1800's
• One-Act
• Devil
• Dog
• Productions
• Elina
• de
• Santos
• Craig
• Wyrick-Solari
• Katelyn
• Statton

[chrismdow]

My name is Christina Dow and I play the silent part in this video. I agree, it's open to interpretation as to who is "The Stronger." With this play, August Strindberg captures wonderfully the duality of the role women play in society. In Mrs. X (Bret Crain, speaking role) we have the woman as caring mother and devoted wife, a person who has lost all individuality and been completely reshaped by the demands of her husband (ugh...), a woman who glories in the stability and warmth of the family

[chrismdow]

life she has achieved. On the other hand, we have Y (silent part) who is the independant woman, who lives her life her own way and she is able, because of her independence to shape others to her personality, but who ultimately ends up alone, here, on Christmas Eve. Obviously these are stereotypes, but Strindberg's point is to set these two stereotypes off against each other, so that what is essentially a quarrel between two women, becomes a larger debate about the role of women in society.

[tacolilygirl]

Very nice work. I loved watching this, and obviously both actresses spent a lot of time dedicated to this, and it shows. Lovely job. I'm directing this play at my school, so know some of the challenges of the roles.

Question. Did you guys change the script to different wording, or did it come like this? I loved the pacing of this.

[HConstantine]

@ethbjell This play was published in 1890; Freud's Studies in Hysteria in 1895. Strindberg was, however, familiar with Charcot's work.

[Amus3d]

would have been perfect with a better camera work - anyway great to watch, thank you!

[redlipstickchick]

nice music! I'm directing this at my school and very much enjoyed watching this! I plan to tape mine too!!!! some really nice choices

[CofradeArrepentido]

Bravo! Many thanks for uploading it.

[scienquist]

This play must have been an influence for Bergman's Persona.

[ethbjell]

I am also intrigued with your thoughts on the role. I studied Miss Julie as well, and was hesitant to do this piece because I actually feel it is anti-feminist. Strindberg believed in Freudian Theory. To me this is a display of the "Hysteric Woman." I will have to re-read the play with your thoughts in mind, and see if I am any less conflicted. You wouldn't mind elaborating?

[ethbjell]

How intimate was your theatre? As Strindberg believed in naturalism, I understand that these smaller facial expressions would have been read, but I think I may be dealing with a slightly larger thrust, which could help AND hurt at the same time. Thoughts?

[ethbjell]

I am looking into directing this play in the fall. I must say, I very much enjoyed this version, especially the choices with Y.

I have a few questions that I hope you can answer:

[cleomagoolando]

You and Ms. Crain did a great job on this piece. I've just recently started reading Strindberg's lesser-known works (i.e. everything that's not 'Miss Julie') and was particularly impressed by this little work. I'll have to read it a few more times, because I've no clue who comes across as the 'stronger.' The acting alone could make this go either way. Thanks for posting this performance.