Super Short Summary

The Ghost Sonata by seminal Swedish playwright August Strindberg (1849-1912) follows a young man’s increasing realization of the world’s wickedness. Strindberg was a key contributor to the style of expressionist art. He completed over 60 plays during his lifetime, and The Ghost Sonata remains an innovative play for its unique dialogue, staging, and subject matter. Its themes include supernaturalism, intergenerational crime, guilt, deception, and social masks. The Ghost Sonata is a one-act play in three scenes and is considered a chamber play because of its limited cast and small staging space required. These forms were popular in the early 20th century and may reflect the increasing anxiety around global politics. Content includes instances of mental illness and violence.