Subject
German drama -- 20th century Books
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Georg Kaiser
Von morgens bis mitternachts
"Von morgens bis mitternachts" by Georg Kaiser is an expressionist stage play written in 1912. A bank cashier in a small town embezzles 60,000 marks after a fleeting encounter with a mysterious lady. He attempts to escape with her, but when she refuses, he embarks on a desperate journey through the city seeking happiness and meaning with his stolen fortune. His frantic search leads him from a sports palace to a dance hall, ultimately ending at a Salvation Army meeting where his quest reaches its final, tragic conclusion.
Kasimir Edschmid
Kean: Schauspiel in fünf Akten nach Alexandre Dumas
"Kean: Schauspiel in fünf Akten nach Alexandre Dumas" by Kasimir Edschmid is a dramatic play written in the early 20th century. The work appears to delve into the life and struggles of the titular character, Edmund Kean, a renowned actor known for his intensity and emotional performances. The narrative likely explores themes of fame, personal turmoil, and the complexities of human relationships, particularly focusing on Kean's interactions with various characters in his life. The beginning of the play introduces us to a social setting within the home of Count Koefeld, where we meet various characters, including the Countess Helène and her guests, as they discuss the upcoming soirée and the controversy surrounding Kean. A messenger arrives, triggering speculation about a package from the Prince of Wales, which leads to discussions about Kean's reputation and his emotional influence on those around him. Salomon, a souffleur, passionately describes Kean's complex character, hinting at his talent and turbulent lifestyle. As tensions build, the scene establishes an ambiance charged with anticipation, suggesting that Kean's arrival will significantly affect the evening’s events.
Walter Hasenclever
Der Sohn: Ein Drama in fünf Akten
"Der Sohn: Ein Drama in fünf Akten" by Walter Hasenclever is a drama written in the early 20th century. The play follows a young man's internal maturation and depicts a generational conflict between father and son. What begins as a private struggle transforms into a broader social conflict, culminating in a revolutionary "fight against the fathers." The son, suffocated by his authoritarian father's strictness, seeks freedom and self-determination, leading him down a path of rebellion that threatens to end in violence.
Georg Kaiser
Die Koralle: Schauspiel in fünf Akten
"Die Koralle: Schauspiel in fünf Akten" by Georg Kaiser is a dramatic play written in the early 20th century. The work delves into complexities surrounding social classes and the human condition, primarily focusing on the interaction between a wealthy businessman, his family, and individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Central characters include a billionaire, his son, and a secretary, who all navigate themes of wealth disparity and moral responsibility. At the start of the play, we are introduced to a contrasting cast of characters within a starkly depicted waiting room representing the "hot heart of the earth." The secretary engages with various distressed individuals seeking help, including a woman desperate for support and a man crushed by the weight of societal expectations. As the billionaire enters, tension arises from his concerns about his son's whereabouts and the societal responsibilities tied to his immense wealth. The dialogue reveals a rich tapestry of struggles, aspirations, and moral dilemmas faced by each character, setting the stage for deeper explorations of their interconnections in the unfolding narrative.
Else Lasker-Schüler
Die Wupper: Schauspiel in 5 Aufzügen
"Die Wupper: Schauspiel in 5 Aufzügen" by Else Lasker-Schüler is a play published in 1909. Set in the industrial Wuppertal region, this expressionist drama explores social and religious conflicts between a factory-owning family and a working-class family. Through fragmented, atmospheric scenes rather than linear plot development, the work depicts the inner emptiness and meaninglessness of life across class divides. The play's radical social critique and unconventional structure challenged theaters for decades, facing repeated cancellations before its controversial 1919 premiere.
Leo Matthias
Der jüngste Tag: Ein groteskes Spiel
"Der jüngste Tag: Ein groteskes Spiel" by Leo Matthias is a play written in the early 20th century, specifically around the time of World War I. This theatrical work navigates complex themes of identity, morality, and human relationships, presenting a tense and layered narrative that unfolds through the interactions of its characters. The setting captures a blend of societal critique and personal turmoil, reflecting the anxieties of the era. The story revolves around the characters Rainer, Jeanne, Gonn, and Yges, weaving a rich tapestry of emotional and ethical struggles. Rainer grapples with his feelings for Jeanne, who is married to Yges, while Gonn serves as a manipulative force encouraging rivalry and tension between them. As the plot unfolds, it is revealed that Rainer has made a damaging wager with Yges that threatens his integrity and personal freedom. The dynamics intensify when secrets come to light and tragic circumstances arise, leading to a dramatic climax that forces characters to confront their true selves and relationships. The play examines the fragility of human connections against the backdrop of societal expectations and the consequences of their choices.
Fritz von Unruh
Ein Geschlecht: Tragödie
"Ein Geschlecht: Tragödie" by Fritz von Unruh is a dramatic play written during the early 20th century. This work encapsulates the harrowing experiences and emotional turmoil of a family torn apart by the impacts of war. The narrative unfolds on a mountain graveyard, where the characters grapple with profound themes of love, duty, guilt, and the human cost of conflict. The play centers around a mother and her children, who face the repercussions of war as they contend with the loss of loved ones and the moral dilemmas that arise from familial loyalty and national duty. The eldest son, burdened by the weight of war and its brutal realities, struggles with his identity and the expectations placed upon him by society. As the characters confront their intertwined fates amidst the madness of conflict, they too must reconcile their roles both within the family unit and in the broader context of national honor and sacrifice. The play explores the tension between the love of a mother for her children and the harsh demands of a militaristic society, ultimately portraying the tragedy of the human condition in the face of relentless external pressures.
Franz Werfel
Die Versuchung: Ein Gespräch des Dichters mit dem Erzengel und Luzifer
"Die Versuchung: Ein Gespräch des Dichters mit dem Erzengel und Luzifer" by Werfel is a philosophical dialogue likely written in the early 20th century. This work blends elements of poetic drama with deep existential themes, as it explores the nature of humanity, ambition, creativity, and the struggle between good and evil. The book revolves around the inner conflict of a poet as he grapples with his desires, the burden of creativity, and the allure of darker temptations embodied by Lucifer. The narrative unfolds as a conversation between the poet and both Satan and the Archangel, presenting a vivid examination of the tension between worldly success and spiritual fulfillment. As the poet interacts with these distinctive figures, he expresses his yearning for authenticity and depth in a superficial world. Simultaneously, he confronts the seductive offers of power, fame, and immortality from Satan, while the Archangel urges him toward a more profound understanding of his role in the universe. Ultimately, the poet comes to recognize his unique voice in the artistic struggle, understanding that the essence of his existence lies in the connection with humanity and the celebration of life itself, despite its inherent suffering.
Ludwig Berger
Spielgeist: Eine Phantasie
"Spielgeist: Eine Phantasie" by Ludwig Berger is a dramatic work likely written in the early 20th century. This text unfolds as a poetic fantasy that delves into themes of love, loss, and the metaphysical nature of existence. Berger's writing blends elements of fantasy with rich poetic imagery, creating an immersive and ethereal experience for readers. The narrative follows the character Imma who longs to experience the essence of being human. She interacts with various spirits, including a mysterious Geist (Spirit) and Rübenkönig (Rutabaga King), while navigating the emotional landscapes shaped by relationships with Ratibor, Brinhildis, and others. As the story progresses, themes of desire, betrayal, and existential yearning unfold against a backdrop of surreal encounters and celestial imagery. Ultimately, the interplay between the characters and the spirit world evokes deeper questions about existence, identity, and the human condition, propelling the reader through an exploration of love's manifold ambiguities and the quest for meaning in a transient reality.
Alfred Brust
Der ewige Mensch: Drama in Christo
"Der ewige Mensch: Drama in Christo" by Alfred Brust is a dramatic play written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds around profound themes of love, morality, and the human condition, exploring the complex interplay between personal choices and societal expectations. The play's central character, Cordatus, embodies a Christ-like figure who navigates a world filled with suffering, striving for understanding and deeper connections amidst the chaos. The storyline revolves around Cordatus and his interactions with various characters who embody different aspects of humanity, including love, guilt, and moral conflict. Tamara, a tormented character, repeatedly expresses a sense of inner turmoil, while Cordatus attempts to heal both her and others through his philosophical musings on love and existence. As the play progresses, themes of justice and the consequences of actions emerge, culminating in intense emotional exchanges and revelations. Cordatus's struggle to fulfill his role as a healer and guide amid the turmoil of those around him raises questions about sacrifice, redemption, and the nature of true love, ultimately suggesting that in embracing the complexities of existence, one can find meaning and connection in an often chaotic world.
Hermann Sudermann
Stein unter Steinen: Schauspiel in vier Akten
"Stein unter Steinen: Schauspiel in vier Akten" by Hermann Sudermann is a play written in the late 19th century. The drama is set in Berlin and explores themes of social responsibility, crime, and human relationships through the interactions of characters in a workshop environment, particularly focusing on Zarncke, a stone mason, and his daughter Marie. At the start of the play, we are introduced to Zarncke, his daughter Marie, and several other characters in their home, where Zarncke discusses business matters and expresses his concerns about a recent burglary at the workshop. Marie is worried about the situation and pleads with her father to help those in need, hinting at deeper themes of morality that will come into play. The atmosphere is laden with tension as the characters navigate personal and community struggles, setting the stage for a complex interplay of social dynamics and character interactions that will unfold throughout the acts. The opening lays a foundation for conflicts and ethical dilemmas regarding crime and redemption.
Carl Sternheim
Der Snob Komödie in drei Aufzügen
"Der Snob" by Carl Sternheim is a comedy in three acts written in 1914. The play chronicles Christian Maske, a newly wealthy businessman determined to climb into aristocratic society in Wilhelmine Germany. To achieve his ambitions, Christian ruthlessly severs ties with his past—dismissing his supporter Sybille, paying off and sending away his parents, and marrying into nobility. When his common-born father threatens to expose his origins, Christian concocts an audacious final scheme to obscure his bourgeois background forever.
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