About the Show

August Strindberg Rep presents a new adaptation of Strindberg's impressionistic play about an aspiring playwright.

After years of struggle, Maurice sees that his about-to-be-produced drama is poised for success. But on the evening of his victory, in a fit of wild passion, he abandons his mistress and her child to take up with the mistress of a friend. When his old mistress' child dies, he accuses his new love of committing murder, while the law thinks Maurice may be the killer. This new adaptation of Strindberg's classic offers a lighter take on the story, setting it in modern-day NYC and adding an element of absurdity by making the human child a treasured champion show dog.

Critic Reviews (2)

“A tedious and inane contemporary adaptation...There is nothing at all redeeming about it...The mastermind behind this travesty is Whitney Gail Aronson. Ms. Aronson’s dialogue is archly stylized and the New York City cultural milieu is strictly fantasyland. Aronson’s direction is rudimentary and sluggish...An academic experiment that is poorly realized...About the only real entertaining element of ‘Crimes and Crimes’ is the uncredited excellent music played during the scene transitions."
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"Though the change from child to animal does lighten the mood and makes Maurice’s actions somewhat more forgivable, some of the plot stretches credibility...It does, however, make the circumstance melodramatic and absurd, which brings out the humor in the play. Aronson has accomplished her goal. The play has witty moments and comic scenes. The absurdism makes for great melodramatic humor as well. The revision keeps the audience focused on its entertaining and engaging story."
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