The Re-Interpretation of History in Recent German Drama: Martin Luther

FAIN: FT-12724-75

Gerald Fetz
University of Montana (Missoula, MT 59801-4494)

To study the 20th century history play against the background of their 19th century forerunners in order to establish their uniqueness and their relationship to the tradition. The focus of this study will be on one major historical figure--Martin Luther--and the changes and developments in his portrayal in German Luther-plays from Zacharias Werner (1806) to Dieter Forte (1971). This study will serve to illustrate by example some of the major shifts of emphasis in all German historical drama during the last two centuries.