Hans Poelzig (Design)
Schumann Circus/Großes Schauspielhaus Berlin
Architectural model 1990
Plastic, veneered wood, cardboard, wire, lamps
Stiftung Stadtmuseum Berlin
Max Reinhardt (1873–1943) had two plays staged at the Schumann Circus with spectacular success thanks to his innovative concept of mass staging: Sophocles’ tragedy “Oedipus Rex” in 1910 and the world premiere of Hugo von Hofmannsthal’s (1874–1929) mystery play “Jedermann” in 1911.
While another ancient play, Aeschylus’ “Oresteia,” was also running at the circus in 1911 to great acclaim, Reinhardt met the architect Hans Poelzig (1869–1936). Together with him, he developed the idea of converting this venue into the Großes Schauspielhaus (Grand Theater). The renovation was opened to great acclaim in 1919 with Aeschylus’ “Oresteia.” Käthe Kollwitz probably also attended the inauguration.