The Easter Play: Strindberg's Easter

Directed by Richard Martin
Writers: Max Faber (translated by), Richard Martin (adapted by), August Strindberg (play)

Episode aired 14 April 1968

  • Dinsdale Landen . . . . . . . . . . Elis
    Frank Finlay . . . . . . . . . . Lindkvist
    Gwen Nelson . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Heyst
    Felicity Kendal . . . . . . . . . . Eleonora
    Anne Stallybrass . . . . . . . . . . Kristina
    Warwick Evans . . . . . . . . . . Benjamin



    The play is set in Sweden sixty years ago. The Heyst family lives under the shadow of their father’s guilt and, as a continual reminder tat they are all debtors, the chief creditor has come to lve in the same town. The play turns on the character of the creditor and the naïve faith of the daughter, Eleonora.

    The time - Maundy Thursday to Easter - hints at a shadow-play beyond the story, for Easter is about hope and the triumph of grace over law. The price of sin and the cost of forgiveness are not minimised; but mercy is shown to be the other face of judgement.

    Radio Times April 1968.