the Rentheim family, in the neighbourhood of Christiania.




JOHN GABRIEL BORKMAN

PLAY IN FOUR ACTS



ACT FIRST


MRS. BORKMAN's drawing-room, furnished with old-fashioned, faded
splendour. At the back, an open sliding-door leads into a
garden-room, with windows and a glass door. Through it a view
over the garden; twilight with driving snow. On the right,
a door leading from the hall. Further forward, a large
old-fashioned iron stove, with the fire lighted. On the left,
towards the back, a single smaller door. In front, on the
same side, a window, covered with thick curtains. Between
the window and the door a horsehair sofa, with a table in
front of it covered with a cloth. On the table, a lighted
lamp with a shade. Beside the stove a high-backed armchair.

MRS. GUNHILD BORKMAN sits on the sofa, crocheting. She is an
elderly lady, of cold, distinguished appearance, with stiff
carriage and immobile features. Her abundant hair is very
grey. Delicate transparent hands. Dressed in a gown of