Ernst Stern
The Sheikh’s Bedroom from “Sumurûn”
1910
(Production by Max Reinhardt at the Kammerspiele of the Deutsche Theater Berlin, 1910)
Chalk drawing
Theater Studies Collection of the University of Cologne
In 1910, Max Reinhardt (1873–1943) commissioned Grete Wiesenthal (1885–1970) to choreograph the Oriental-inspired dance pantomime “Sumurûn” by Friedrich Freksa (1882–1955), with music by Victor Hollaender (1866–1940). Ernst Stern (1876–1954) was responsible for the stage design and costume design. Wiesenthal also danced the title role.
While Kollwitz’s sons saw the performance immediately, Kollwitz did not see the piece until 1918. From 1924 onwards, her nieces Katta Sterna (1897–1984) and Maria Solveg (1907–1993) also danced in this piece, which was a great international success for Max Reinhardt.