THE STORIES: WOYZECK is the first lower-class tragic hero, and he is the first psychotic hero in dramatic literature. But Woyzeck is truly a victim. This unique classic is based on the true case of a soldier who killed his common-law wife and was executed when his plea of insanity was rejected by the courts. (12 men, 5 women, doubling) LEONCE AND LENA is a fractured fairytale for grownups, in which King Peter of the kingdom of Tushee has arranged a marriage between his son, Prince Leonce, and Princess Lena of the kingdom of Wee-wee. But the young prince is determined not to marry at all, unless it is for love. Refusing to bow to custom, he disguises himself as a common man and sets off on a journey with his drunken fool, Valerio. The two vagabonds accidentally bump into Lena and her governess, who are also disguised. The prince and the princess fall in love, not knowing the true identity of their mate. (4 men, 3 women, doubling.)

Germany’s critically acclaimed Georg Buchner’s beloved play about love, humor, and humanity adapted by one of Switzerland’s most honored writers brings this tremendous piece of literature to young audiences as never before. In a comedy of errors, two young people, Leonce of Popo and Princess Lena of Pipi, are destined to make their peace in an arranged marriage. Horrified at the thought of not knowing their betrothed, they flee, but upon a chance meeting they are love struck. Overwhelmed with emotion, Lena departs leaving Leonce distraught. But the King insists that a wedding take place—royals or no royals—for the people who have waited tirelessly to see a ceremony. Cloaked in masks two young people are brought to the altar—introduced as world famous robots—an effigy of a royal wedding. But when the masks are removed Leonce and Lena are euphoric to see each other’s identities. It’s a joyful affair and the King retires, passing the reigning power to Leonce. Leonce turns the kingdom into a theatre and bans all clocks and calendars.

George Duchner died in 1837 at a tragically early age, and his three works for the stage remained virtually unknown for half a century. Today all three, especially Danton's Death, his great play about the French Revolution are performed regularly. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Blijspel over twee koningskinderen die het hun opgelegde huwelijk ontvluchten.

Modern drama in theory and ... /J.L. Styan.-v.3.

Looking at a broad spectrum of writers--English, French, German, Italian, Russian and other East Europeans--Virgil Nemoianu offers here a coherent characterization of the period 1815-1848. This he calls the era of the domestication of romanticism. The explosive, visionary core of romanticism is seen to give way--after the defeat of Napoleon--to an expanded and softer version reflecting middle-class values. This later form of romanticism is characterized by moralizing efforts to reform society, a sentimental yearning for the tranquility of home and hearth, and persistent faith in the individual, alongside a new skepticism, shattered ideals, and consequent irony. Expanding the application of the term Biedermeier, which has been useful in describing this period in German literature, Nemoianu provides a new framework for understanding these years in a wider European context.