description Strange Interlude Overview
Strange Interlude is a 1928 play by American dramatist Eugene O'Neill. Its nine acts follow Nina Leeds and the people around her across many years, examining desire, marriage, heredity, guilt, and the contrast between private thought and public conduct. The play is distinguished by extensive spoken asides through which characters reveal thoughts that remain unheard by the others onstage, producing an effect related to interior monologue. It received the 1928 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and was originally performed in unusually long productions.
help Strange Interlude FAQ
Who wrote the play Strange Interlude?
"Strange Interlude" is a nine-act play written by the American dramatist Eugene O'Neill in 1928. It is one of his most famous and experimental works, earning him the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
What makes the structure of Strange Interlude unique?
The play is distinguished by its extensive use of interior monologues, where characters speak their private thoughts directly to the audience while maintaining a different public facade. This technique was heavily inspired by the psychological theories of Sigmund Freud.
What is the plot of Strange Interlude?
The narrative follows Nina Leeds across many years as she navigates complex relationships, marriages, and the trauma of her fiancé's death in World War I. It deeply examines themes of heredity, guilt, and the contrast between private thought and public conduct.
How long does it take to watch a production of Strange Interlude?
Because the play consists of nine acts and spans over two decades of the characters' lives, a full production is extremely long. It traditionally runs for roughly five hours, requiring audiences to pause for a dinner break.
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