To Damascus
Ingmar Bergman commanded the theatrical diversity in Strindberg's drama and produced one of his most remarkable plays, which nevertheless met with a cold response in Berlin.
'Presently one can scarcely imagine a more proficient, competent production. Bergman knows what he is doing and does it with absolute confidence.'Åke Janzon, Svenska Dagbladet
About the production
Strindberg's 'station drama' in three parts from 1898 and 1901 depicts the spiritual journey of a man called The Stranger. The title of the play is a reference to the conversation of the Biblical Apostle Paul en route to Damascus. Bergman chose to combine Parts I and II of Strindberg's play, he cut the text extensively and toned down its religious implications to present a human relationship drama.
More and more the critical responses to Bergman's stage productions expressed enthusiasm for his professional skills and imaginative craftsmanship, while criticism often focused on the reviewer's preconception of the text of the play and the degree to which Bergman remained loyal or sensitive to it.
Sources
- Birgitta Steene, Ingmar Bergman: A Reference Guide, (Amsterdam University Press, 2005).
Germany, Berlin, 27-28 September 1974, during Berliner Festwochen
The German critics had expected to be met with 'a Bergman sensation', but were disappointed by what they considered to be a 'restrained', 'dull' and 'wordy' production.
Collaborators
- Jan-Olof Strandberg, Unknown
- Helena Brodin, The woman
- Anders Ek, The beggar
- Ulf Johanson, The doctor
- Frank Sundström, Caesar the fool
- Aino Taube, The mother
- Per Sjöstrand, The father
- Oscar Ljung, Old Ekdal
- Gösta Prüzelius, The professor
- Hjördis Petterson, Alewife
- Ellika Mann, Woman 1
- Gertrud Fridh, Woman 2
- Birger Malmsten, Slob 1
- Segol Mann, Slob 2
- Dennis Dahlsten, The policeman
- Dora Söderberg, Wet nurse
- Per Grundén, Landlord
- Barbro Hiort af Ornäs, Abbess
- Gerthi Kulle, Farm maiden
- Gösta Söderberg, Guest 1
- Karl-Axel Forssberg, Guest 2
- Åke Wästersjö, Guest 3
- Beata Bergström, Stills photographer
- August Strindberg, Author
- Arne Hertler, Stage manager
- Klas Möller, Lighting design
- Lennart Halling, Projections
- Daniel Bell, Musical arrangement
- Arne Lundh, Make-up and wigs
- Marianne Lundh, Make-up and wigs
- Inga-Britt Mengarelli, Make-up and wigs
- Walter Techt, Make-up and wigs
- Rolf Linder, Make-up and wigs
- Agneta Pauli, Producer
- Ingmar Bergman, Director
- Kari Sylwan, Assistant director
- Marik Vos, Designer
- Holger Juhlin, Carpenter
- Ullacarin Rydén, Prompter
- Bernt Thorell, Technician