Works by the Swedish writer and dramatist Johan August Strindberg (1849-1912) have been published in Chinese for the first time, part of a series of events by the Swedish Embassy to celebrate his life.

Five volumes of Stringberg's translated works, three of which are plays went on sale in Chinese bookstores on May 24, published by the People's Literature Press.

The "Strindberg in China 2005" festival aims to bring together leading Chinese and Swedish writers and playwrights throughout 2005 to establish his name in China. His realist works are hailed for having a revolutionary impact on world drama.

From May 23 to 25, a performance of his play Paralysie Generale was put on at Beijing's North Theatre, and it is on in Shanghai on May 26.

Stringberg's works will also be put on at the forthcoming College Students Drama Festival in Beijing.

There had been translations of Strindberg's works into other languages since the 1920s. Chinese media have commented that the publication of his collected works is a good opportunity for Chinese people to understand one of Sweden's most famous authors.

(CRI.com May 27, 2005)