Yale Bulletin and Calendar

October 18-25, 1999

Volume 28, Number 9

Drama School stages German play
that has been likened to 'Hamlet'

In what is believed to be only its third professional staging in the United States, Heinrich von Kleist's "The Prince of Homburg" will open the School of Drama's 1999-2000 season with six performances beginning Thursday, Oct. 21, at the University Theater, 222 York St.

Although rarely performed by American companies, the play -- a tale revolving around the life-and-death choices a prince must make when his province is threatened by war -- is viewed in Germany as a classic comparable to "Hamlet," notes director David Kennedy.

"Kleist was grappling with the elemental forces of life," Kennedy says. "He aimed to bring audiences to towering emotional peaks, to invoke awe, terror and joy."

Perhaps the play has been overlooked because the playwright himself was discounted in a life that ended tragically, suggests Kennedy.

Born in 1777, Kleist disappointed his family by turning his back on a career in military service, preferring instead to make a name for himself in the literary arena. At the age of 34, however, after years of rejection in his chosen field, Kleist shot himself and his lover in a double suicide. He had just completed "The Prince of Homburg," but 100 years would pass before such figures as Franz Kafka and Thomas Mann would recognize its genius, notes Kennedy.

"'The Prince of Homburg' is a work of profound insight that demands we explore and challenge its assumptions," Kennedy says. "Every aspect of this strangely compelling fable feels fresh. It deserves revival on our stages."

"The Prince of Homburg" is Kennedy's M.F.A. thesis project. The play was translated by Diana Stone Peters and Frederick G. Peters. Cast in lead roles are Brandon T. Miller as the Prince; Amy Morse as his lover, Princess Natalia; and Ronald Dean Nolan as the Elector of Brandenburg. The technical staff includes scenic designer Takeshi Kata, costume designer Katherine Hampton, lighting designer Matthew Richards and sound designer Vincent Olivieri.

Performances will take place Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 21-23, at 8 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m.; and Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 26 and 27, at 8 p.m. There is no Sunday, Oct. 24 performance. Tickets are $12-$15; special discounts are available for individuals and groups, and the Monday performance is pay-what-you-can.

To make reservations or for more information, call the Yale Rep box office at (203) 432-1234. Box office hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and until show time on performance days.

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