By Sarah Klein
Playwright August Strindberg will be honoured by the 11th annual Master Playwright Festival, running today until February 20.
Strindberg has a wide selection of work, ranging from his time as a writer, poet, photographer and other creative roles.
Strindberg’s legacy to the world of modern drama is one of pushing the envelope. Never satisfied with the status quo, Strindberg devised new ways of tackling taboo topics — such as the hypocrisy of gender roles — and broke with tradition by using colloquial and modern speech in historical dramas. Sometimes an enemy of the people, sometimes a hero, Strindberg was intense, brilliant and tempestuous. In short, he was a master.
The festival kicked off Wednesday with an introduction to Strindberg and his work, but will officially begin tonight at the Manitoba Theatre Centre.
Strindberg passes are still available for $75, allowing one admission to each StrindbergFest production. To buy a pass or to obtain a free program, contact the MTC Box Office at (204) 942-6537. Individual tickets can be purchased from participating companies, including Canadian Heritage, the Winnipeg Free Press, Fairmont Winnipeg, Industry Images, the King’s Head Pub and Saison Voyageur.
A complete list of festival offerings and free events is available at MasterPlaywrightFestival.com.
