The Father

Summary

If you cast a reasonable doubt in someone, are you responsible for their actions? Especially when that doubt was planted in order to manipulate?

This is one of the central questions posed in August Strindberg's "The Father," a three act play about a power struggle between the over-domineering Adolf and his wife Laura as they discuss the future plans for their child. All doubts come to a head, however, when Laura points out that a child's paternity can never be proven, and thus, under common law, strips Adolf of his power over the child. Through deceit, treachery, and manipulation, the plan to get rid of "The Father" is set in motion, and only time will tell if Adolf is a madman filled to the brim with jealous rage or righteous fury.