Face to Face (play)

Face to Face is a play by Swedish playwright Ingmar Bergman, written in 1981. It explores themes of mental breakdown, identity, and the disintegration of the human psyche. The play focuses on the character of Dr. Jenny Isaksson, a successful psychiatrist, as she undergoes a profound psychological crisis.

The narrative follows Jenny as she experiences vivid nightmares, hallucinations, and a growing sense of alienation. She confronts repressed memories, existential anxieties, and the fragility of her self-perception. The play delves into the complexities of her relationships, particularly with her husband, and her own sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Face to Face is often viewed as a companion piece to Bergman's 1973 miniseries, Scenes from a Marriage, as both works explore the breakdown of relationships and the internal struggles of individuals within those relationships. While not a direct adaptation, the play shares similar thematic concerns and a focus on intense emotional realism. It has been staged internationally and is known for its demanding central role and its exploration of the human condition.