Archive

Identifier: FATHER1996

Inclusive Dates: December 14 1995 - February 18 1996

Extent:

Roundabout Theatre Company produced The Father at the Criterion Center with previews on December 14, 1995, opening night January 11, and closing night February 18, 1996. Jeremy Gerard of Variety said, "The Roundabout has a long association with the plays of August Strindberg; The Father was the company's inaugural production 30 years ago, in considerably less glamorous circumstances that the current outing affords. For this occassion, Frank Langella returns to Broadway in the title role, giving a hair-raising performance as a grounded man driven by doubt into madness. Langella begins the play as an imposing Captain - scientist, atheist and male chauvinist - the picture of starched, smug rectitude. Ninety minuutes later, strait-jacketed and stroke-ruined, he's a supine wreck, the victim of a terrorist household coven ruled by his wife, Laura, who will do anything to ensure that their daughter, Bertha, will be raised as she, not he, sees fit" (Variety, January 15, 1996)

Directed by Clifford Williams with set design by John Lee Beatty, costume design by Martin Pakledinaz, lighting design by Kenneth Posner, and sound design by John Gromada. Production stage manager, Jay Adler.

Frank Langella played The Captain, Ivar Brogger played The Pastor, William Verderber played Orderly, Garret Dillahunt played Nojd, Gail Strickland played Laura, Tom Beckett played Doctor Ostermark, Irene Dailey played Old Margaret, Angela Bettis played Bertha. Understudies William Verderber, Kyle Fabel and Stephanie A. Jones.

The play ran for 90 minutes without intermission, with ticket prices at $50. Frank Langella won the Drama Desk award for best actor in a play. 

The Father, published in 1887 by playwright August Strinberg, with a premier in New York in 1912, is a deeply psychological portrayal of women and men and their struggles for power and domination. The translation used was for this production was commissioned by playwright RIchard Nelson.

Collection consists of 2 Hollinger boxes containing production documentation, script, extensive news clippings files, playbills, casting notes and administrative files. Collection lacks most documents detailing artistic vision for the play (director's notes, and set, costume, and sound notes; collection does include full lighting design documents).

Photograph folder contains black and white 8 x10 prints, contact sheets, opening night contact sheets, and select head shots.

Digital file contains scanned photographs, scanned press clippings, scanned playbill, scanned study guide, and show art used by the marketing department to promote the production.

Access Restrictions: Open and available for research by appointment only.

Preferred Citation: The Father 1996, Roundabout Theatre Company Archives