Spring Awakening / Frühlings Erwachen

[Chross]

Spring Awakening (German: Frühlings Erwachen) (also translated as Spring's Awakening and The Awakening of Spring) is the German dramatist Frank Wedekind's first major play and a foundational work in the modern history of theatre.[1][2] It was written sometime between autumn 1890 and spring 1891, but did not receive its first performance until 20 November 1906 when it premiered at the Deutsches Theater in Berlin under the direction of Max Reinhardt. It carries the sub-title A Children's Tragedy.[3] The play criticises perceived problems in the sexually oppressive culture of nineteenth century (Fin de siècle) Germany and offers a vivid dramatisation of the erotic fantasies that can breed in such an environment.[2] Due to its controversial subject matter, the play has often been banned or censored.
Source: wikipedia

From Act I
Wendla encounters Melchior in the forest. Melchior asks why she pays visits to the poor if they do not give her pleasure, to which Wendla answers that enjoyment is not the point, and after recounting a dream she had where she was an abused, destitute child, Wendla tells Melchior about Martha's family situation. Wendla, shameful that she has never been struck once in her life, asks Melchior to show her how it feels. He hits her with a switch, but not very hard, provoking Wendla to yell at him to hit her harder. Suddenly overcome, Melchior violently beats her with his fists and then runs off crying.

Frank Wedekind on his play:
"‘I began writing without any plan, intending to write what gave me pleasure. The plan came into being after the third scene and consisted of my own experiences or those of my school fellows. Almost every scene corresponds to an actual incident.’"

[Chross]

[Chross]

Student production Sarajevo, 2104



Clip: https://www.4shared.com/s/fwJry2bopku


Black Tie Theatre 2012



Clip: https://www.4shared.com/s/fnUy3PU1Bfa

The Musical production on US tour in 2008 with Christy Altomare



Clip: https://streamable.com/wzpz6a

Cultural Arts Playhouse 2011, Ashley Nicastro



Clip: https://youtu.be/GKX_1ePjU1c

Mexican production, Melissa Barrera



Clip: https://youtu.be/3cppoWcFpPE

Midvale, Utah 2014, Erica Smith



Clip: https://www.4shared.com/s/fC8OcBkxHjq

[Chross]

Schauspielbühne Stuttgart 2014



Otterbein University 2012