Summary: | This study explores how the design of women’s social space of action is presented in Hagar Olsson’s play S.O.S: Save our souls (1928). The focus of the study is on the female main character of the play, Maria. The analysis model consists of close reading with the play's melodramatic elements as a starting point. The theoretical framework for the study is the epic theater tradition where Bertolt Brecht has an important influence. The study shows that there is an existing deficiency condition regarding women´s social space of action. This design interprets as a space where women´s happiness and freedom experiences as difficult to access. There is also a critique towards this design through Maria and her actions. The critique is targeted towards long-standing social constructions. However, it should be pointed out that the play takes plays in a bourgeoise environment. Therefore, the design of the space as well as the critique targets towards this environment. The study also shows that Maria´s actions combined with the play opens up for a possible new space where contemporary bourgeoise women allows to act beyond their expectations. This design creates a possibility for women to follow their own way to happiness.
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