The Plays of Ernst Toller: A Revaluation

by Cecil Davies

Overview

This book is the fullest and most detailed study yet published in English of Ernst Toller's plays and their most significant productions. In particular the productions directed by Karl-Heinz Martin, Jurgen Fehling and Erwin Piscator are closely analyzed and the author demonstrates how, brilliant though they were, they obscured or even distorted Toller's intentions. The plays are seen as eminently stage-worthy while worth lies in Toller's use of language, both in prose and inverse. The neglected puppet-play The Scorned Lovers' Revenge is analyzed from a new perspective in the light, both of its language and its sexual theme, so important in Toller's writings as a whole. The reader is led to appreciate why Toller was regarded as the most outstanding German dramatist of his generation until, after his death in 1939 his reputation was overlaid by that of Brecht. This book should do much to restore Toller to his proper place in theatre history.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781134361854
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/13/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	704
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Cecil Davies

Table of Contents

I Introduction II The Plays: Die Wandlung (Transformation); Masse Mensch (Masses and Man); Die Rache des verhohnten Liebhabers (The Scorned Laver's Revenge); Die Maschinensturmer (The Machine Wreckers) III Toller's Use of Language IV The Plays: Hinkemann; Der entfesselte Wotan (Wotan Unbound); Hoppla, wir leben! (Whoops! We're Alive) ; Fewer aus den Kesseln (Draw the Fires); Die blinde Gottin (The Blind Goddess); Nie wieder Friede (No More Peace); Pastor Hall; V Conclusion