The Best Intentions
(Den goda viljan)
Year: 1992
Cast: 9 male, 7 female (though flexible)
Set: Flexible
(Den goda viljan)
Year: 1992
Cast: 9 male, 7 female (though flexible)
Set: Flexible
’The Best Intentions changed the way I understood myself and my family, in particular my father. It became important to my writing. Indeed, so important that I named the main character of my first novel Henrik, and wrote two hundred pages on how his parents met, with Bergman’s book as the model. Since then I’ve read The Best Intentions and the sequel Private Confessions several times, last only few weeks ago, and I must say I haven’t read any literary works from that period that are better than those two books.’– Karl Ove Knausgård
The Best Intentions is a semi-autobiographical study of family, faith, class, and hypocrisy. Poverty-stricken and shy young Henrik meets upper-class Anna Akerblom, who is beautiful, vivacious, and adored by all - especially her father. Henrik is instantly attracted to Anna and the lifestyle of her privileged household, where music recitals are a marked contrast to Henrik’s own domestic life. Despite opposition from their mothers, Anna and Henrik fall in love. Following ten years in the lives of Bergman’s parents, The Best Intentions is a gripping love story that will resonate with all of those who recognise the problems that arise when crossing boundaries to pursue love.
Notable Productions
- Studio-Théâtre de La Comédie Française, Paris, 2006 (adapted by Guy Zilberstein, dir. Anne Kessler)
- The Royal Dramatic Theatre, Stockholm, 2016 (dir. Eirik Stubø)
(Image above)
To enquire about or apply for a license to perform The Best Intentions, please contact Josef Weinberger, Ltd.
plays@jwmail.co.uk
+44 (0) 20 7580 2827