Scenes from a Marriage premiered in February 2005 in the Amsterdam Stadsschouwburg. Toneelgroep Amsterdam has staged Ingmar Bergman’s classic play in such a way as to create intimate spaces in the most unexpected of places. Three sets of actors enact the couple Johan and Marianne while the audience moves round the stage with each new scene.

Celia Nufaar won the Columbina Prize for best supporting actress in her role as mother and Ms Jacobi.

Johan and Marianne appear to be the perfect couple but this paragon of married life is systematically dismantled scene by scene. Half-truths, lies and deceit lead to the painful decline of their marriage. And yet, they cannot let go. What starts out as the marriage from hell gradually becomes a search for unconditional and selfless love.

Scenes from a Marriage depicts the dichotomy between feigned invul-nerability and basic emotional needs, between the desire to please others and an uncomfortable self-interest, between believing that we can change and accepting our own failings.

‘Toneelgroep under Ivo van Hove is one of Europe's most brilliant ensembles. They have great vision and, above all, great actors. London should flock to see them… but quickly.’ - Whatsonstage*****

‘superbly acted... gripping and inventive’ - The Guardian****

'...an audacious re-imagining of Bergman that strikingly lays bare the knotty complexities of human nature and relationships' - Time Out London ****

‘Bergman magistralement adapté‘ - le nouvel Observateur
 
‘TA makes an impression with exciting Scenes From a Marriage’ - GPD

‘…beautiful moments of intense acting’ - de Volkskrant

‘Van Hove’s innovative use of language commands respect as ever’ - Parool

Drawing on almost thirty years of marriage experience with five different spouses, Ingmar Bergman (1918 - 2007) was able to write the screenplay to his hit film Scenes From A Marriage in three months. Bergman felt a strong connection with his lead characters Johan and Marianne: 'I became very fond of these people during the writing process. They generally talk a lot of nonsense but now and again will say something of substance. They are nervous, happy, egotistical, stupid, friendly, wise, willing to make sacrifices, affectionate, angry, loving, sentimental, insufferable and endearing.'