Dances of Death: NHB Classic Plays

A gripping new version of Strindberg's masterly, darkly hilarious depiction of the struggles and strains of marriage.

Meet Edgar and Alice. Married for almost thirty years, theirs is a relationship of mutual explosive loathing. Strindberg's tale paints a compelling and bitterly funny portrait of a magnificently doomed couple, whose ongoing battle threatens not only their future, but that of their friends and children as well.

Howard Brenton's new version of Dances of Death includes both Part One and the rarely performed Part Two of this masterpiece of European theatre, condensed into a single two-act drama. The play premiered at the Gate Theatre, London, in May 2013.

"Ferociously intense... a howl of primitive power." - The Times

"A particularly excoriating exercise in psychological warfare... remarkable." - Telegraph

"A blistering account of a mildewed marriage." - Whatsonstage.com

"Howard Brenton has worked wonders... this fresh and exciting new version demands to be seen." - British Theatre Guide

Howard Brenton is a prolific playwright whose plays have been staged at the Royal Court Theatre, National Theatre, RSC and Shakespeare's Globe among others. Other writing work includes collaborations with David Hare and thirteen episodes of the BBC1 drama series Spooks.