 |
August Wilhelm IfflandGerman actor, playwright, director.
Date of Birth: 19.04.1759
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- August Wilhelm Iffland: Actor, Playwright, and Director
- Theatrical Career
- Berlin: The Royal Stage
- Literary Contributions
- Collected Works and Memoirs
- Legacy
August Wilhelm Iffland: Actor, Playwright, and Director
Early Life and EducationBorn in Hanover in 1759, August Wilhelm Iffland initially pursued a religious education at his father's urging. However, his passion for acting drew him towards the stage.
Theatrical Career
In 1777, Iffland joined the theater in Gotha under the direction of Conrad Ekhof. After Ekhof's death, he became a popular actor at the Mannheim Theater in 1779. Touring Germany extensively, Iffland gained widespread recognition. In 1792, he became Mannheim Theater's chief director.
Berlin: The Royal Stage
Upon Goethe's invitation, Iffland visited Berlin in 1796 and became the director of the Berlin Royal National Theater in 1798. From 1811 onwards, he was appointed chief director of all royal court performances.
Literary Contributions
Alongside his theatrical career, Iffland wrote plays that garnered critical acclaim. Notable works include "Die Jäger," "Dienstpflicht," and "Die Advokaten." He also penned critical essays for "Almanach für Theater" and "Theaterfreunde."
Collected Works and Memoirs
In 1798-1802, Iffland published a 16-volume collection of his writings, "Dramatischen Werke," which included his autobiography. Additional volumes of his work, "Neue dramatische Werke," were released in 1807-1809. His selected writings were published in two volumes in 1827-1828 and ten volumes in 1844 and 1860. Iffland's memoirs, "Meine theatralische Laufbahn," was written in 1798 and published posthumously in 1885.
Legacy
In 1864, a bronze portrait of Iffland was installed on the facade of the Mannheim Theater, honoring his enduring contribution to German theater.
