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"These five plays provide an excellent introduction to Kaiser's vision of the regeneration of man, which he illustrated in his works by a total paring down of detail, penetrating to the core of the matter and revealing man's true potential.
In From Morning to Midnight the cashier, downtrodden victim of the capitalist system, turns bank robber in order to test the power, freedom and happiness that money can bring. His grand gesture of setting himself and others free turns into an odyssey of disillusion and ends in his violent death. The unique stage technique employed by Kaiser is as challenging today as it was when the play was first performed. The Burghers of Calais has always been considered Kaiser's greatest play and the "classic" of Expressionist drama. In it, Kaiser exploits the non-naturalistic technique of Expressionism. The play embraces vast expansiveness and total concentration, stylized gesture and lengthy monologues."
About the author
One of the most prolific writers connected with the Expressionist Movement, Georg Kaiser (1878- 1945) is best remembered for his phenomenally successful play From Morning to Midnight.
Summary
"These five plays provide an excellent introduction to Kaiser's vision of the regeneration of man, which he illustrated in his works by a total paring down of detail, penetrating to the core of the matter and revealing man's true potential.
In From Morning to Midnight the cashier, downtrodden victim of the capitalist system, turns bank robber in order to test the power, freedom and happiness that money can bring. His grand gesture of setting himself and others free turns into an odyssey of disillusion and ends in his violent death. The unique stage technique employed by Kaiser is as challenging today as it was when the play was first performed. The Burghers of Calais has always been considered Kaiser's greatest play and the "classic" of Expressionist drama. In it, Kaiser exploits the non-naturalistic technique of Expressionism. The play embraces vast expansiveness and total concentration, stylized gesture and lengthy monologues."
Foreword
These five plays provide an excellent introduction to Kaiser's vision of the regeneration of man.
Additional text
"These Kaiser plays . must be read by anyone with more than a passing interest in drama . One now realizes how prophetic these works are - both in content and technique."
