The Birdcage Archives

Sunday, 10 May 2020

Kristina Lugn, Dies Aged 71


Hello Gentle Reader

Kristina Lung was one of Sweden’s most important dramatists. Her dramatic works were endeared and adored by the public for contemplating themes of loneliness, death, mid-life crises, and mundane everyday tragedies, with cynicism, mordant humour, and a deft sense of irony. Though best known as a dramatist with a deep love of theatre, and its capacity to bring an empathetic mirror to the viewers. After the death of Allan Edwall, Lugn ran the small independent theatre: Teater Brunnsgatan Fyra; where many of her dramatic works were staged. The theatre itself is intimate and small, and seats only one hundred people; but is highly appreciated by the public. Before turning to dramatic writing, Kristina Lugn was a poet, publishing a total of eight collections of poetry throughout her lifetime. In two-thousand and six she was elected to Chair No. 14 of the Swedish Academy, and during the Spring Scandal of two-thousand and eighteen, she was the only female member sitting on the academy, as the others had resigned or recused themselves and then later resigned. During the scandal, Kristina Lugn gave few and far between commentary. She was, however, a fierce defender of the Swedish Academy’s independence, which saw was slowly eroded by public pressure demanding some of its members resign. Despite her long career as a poet and dramatist, Kristina Lugn never made any splash in the English language. At best she was only known as a member of the Swedish Academy, with her literary achievements ignored entirely. She was found May 9th, the cause of death is not known.

With the earlier death of Swedish Academy’s sinologist Göran Malmqvist, of Chair No. 5; the Swedish Academy now has two vacancies.

Rest in Peace, Kristina Lugn.

For now Gentle Reader, stay safe, spacious and healthy.

Thank-you For Reading Gentle Reader
Take Care
And As Always
Stay Well Read

M. Mary

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