Georg Kaiser German playwright, poet, prose writer. One of the greatest representatives of German literature of the 20th century. The most prominent representative of expressionist drama. Date of Birth: 25.11.1878 Country: Germany

1. Early Life and Education
2. Literary Beginnings
3. Travels and Literary Breakthrough
4. Family and Career
5. Literary Success
6. Family and Financial Troubles
7. Zenith of Popularity
8. Nazi Repression and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Georg Kaiser, born in 1878, was the fifth of six sons to Friedrich Kaiser, an insurance agent. From 1885 to 1888, he attended primary school in Magdeburg. His secondary education at the Parochial Evangelical School (a humanistic gymnasium at the Convent of St. Mary) from 1888 to 1894 fostered his interest in music, opera, and theater.

Literary Beginnings

In 1894, Kaiser left the gymnasium due to his opposition to its teaching methods. As a countermeasure to the literary society "Shakespeare," he established "Sappho," a reading circle for which he penned his early student plays, including "The Knave of Hearts" (1895-1896), "Comic Opera for a Christmas Ball" (1897), and "Faust" (1897).

Travels and Literary Breakthrough

In 1898, Kaiser embarked on a sea voyage to South America as a coal loader. In Buenos Aires, he honed his Spanish language skills and worked as a clerk. His extensive travels in the region eventually led to malaria.

Family and Career

Kaiser returned to Magdeburg in 1901, suffering from bouts of malaria. After a brief stay, he began traveling throughout Germany, residing in Potsdam, Bad Kösen, and Naumburg. In 1902, he sought treatment in Berlin for a nervous condition.

In 1908, Kaiser married Margarete Habenicht, the daughter of a prominent Magdeburg merchant. They lived in Seeheim-Jugenheim and Weimar from 1908 to 1916. During World War I, Kaiser's health prevented him from joining the army, but he volunteered with the Red Cross.

Literary Success

Kaiser's first published work was "The Jewish Widow" (1911), a biblical play based on the story of Judith. In 1915, his play "The Case of Pupil Wesezak" premiered in Vienna, marking his theatrical debut. His most renowned play, "The Citizens of Calais," premiered in Frankfurt in 1917 and brought him widespread acclaim.

Family and Financial Troubles

Kaiser welcomed two sons, Dante Anselm (1914) and Michael Lorent (1918). In 1919-1920, he resided in Munich and Berlin, facing severe financial difficulties. In 1920, he and his wife were arrested for financial embezzlement and fraud. Their children were placed in an orphanage. Although attempts were made to politicize the case, linking Kaiser to communists, they failed. Kaiser was released in 1921 and relocated to the suburbs of Berlin.

Zenith of Popularity

From 1921 to 1933, Kaiser reached the height of his popularity. His expressionist plays, such as the "Coral" trilogy (1916-1919), "Hell-Way-Earth" (1918), and others, were staged worldwide, including in America, Japan, and Australia.

Nazi Repression and Legacy

With the rise of the Nazis in 1933, expressionist writers and artists became targets. Kaiser was no exception. In 1933, the SA instigated a theatrical scandal during a performance of Kaiser's play in Leipzig. This resulted in a ban on his publications and performances.

Despite the Nazi censorship, Kaiser's legacy as one of the foremost German dramatists of the 20th century remains intact. His expressionist plays continue to be performed and studied, offering insights into the human condition and the complexities of modern life.