Overview

Synopsis

Miss Julie is perhaps the most famous play in the style of naturalism. It focuses on Miss Julie, a headstrong yet confused aristocratic lady who has just broken off her engagement. She is drawn to Jean, an enticing and educated valet who works for her father. The action takes place in the kitchen of Miss Julie's father's manor, where Jean's fiancée, a servant named Christine, cooks and sometimes sleeps while Jean and Miss Julie talk. One night the relationship between Miss Julie and Jean escalates rapidly to feelings of love and is subsequently consummated. Over the course of the play Miss Julie and Jean battle for the upper hand in the relationship, and struggle with a plan to move forward with their lives. Jean finally convinces Julie that the only way to escape her predicament is to commit suicide.

Today, Miss Julie is considered a classic because it’s more than just a story about two people—it’s a powerful look at how society, family, and personal choices trap people in struggles they can’t escape.

Show Information

Text And Format
August Strindberg
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
1888
Genres
Drama
Settings
Period, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
1800’s. Midsummer’s Eve. The estate of a Count in Sweden
Cast Size
small
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal For
College/University, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Star Vehicle Female, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Adult Characters

Lead Characters

Miss Julie logo

Jean

Lead, Male,

Miss Julie

Miss Julie logo

Julie

Lead, Female,

Miss Julie

Miss Julie logo

Christine

Supporting, Female,

Miss Julie

Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher