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.

Blijspel over twee koningskinderen die het hun opgelegde huwelijk ontvluchten.

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.)

This collection of Büchner's three theatrical works includes Danton's Death, his great play about the French Revolution, Leonce and Lena, his "black" romantic comedy and Woyzeck, the unfinished work on which Alban Berg based his famous opera. All three works remained virtually unknown for half a century but today have found an important place in the modern repertory.

Collected in this volume are dramas and psychological fiction by the nineteenth-century iconoclast. Also included are selections from Buchner's letters and philosophical writings.

Leonce and Lena: There are two imaginary countries: the Kingdom of Popo and the Kingdom of Pipi. Prince Leonce of the Kingdom of Popo and Princess Lena of the Kingdom of Pipi have had their political marriage arranged.