Heinrich von Kleist

Bernd Heinrich Wilhelm von Kleist was born at Frankfort on the Oder on the 18th of October, 1777. At the age of fifteen he served in the military. He was reluctant to do so, and eventually gave it up some years later, retiring as a lieutenant and continued to collect knowlede, politically, socially, and anyway. He studied law and philosophy at the Viadrina University and in 1800 received a subordinate post in the Ministry of Finance at Berlin. As he began to write he also travelled, from Berlin to Paris, and from Paris to Switzerland. It is here he wrote his first work "The Schoffenstein Family". In 1807, he was arrested and accused of being a spy by the French, where they held him captive for six months. Afterward he published a journal entitled "Phobus". He went on to write several works, both tragedy and comedy. On Novermber 21, 1811, however, he shot himself.
1803 "The Schroffenstein Family"
1808 "Phobus" Journal
1808 "The Käthchen of Heilbronn"
1808 "The Broken Jug
1809 "Die Hermannsschlacht"
1821 "The Prince of Homburg"

The Prince of Homburg

This is the lobby display of snapshots taken from the show. The idea of this is to give the audience a brief taste of fashion, lighting, scenic design, and other stylized theatrical choices specific to the play.

Lighting Elements in 19th Century America

During the 19th century America, it is important to note the use of gas for lighting theatre spaces. It began to emerge in places like "Chestnut Street Theatre" in Philadelphia around 1816 and in New York in the 1866 production of "Black Crook". In 1825, the first practical spotlight found use. Although popular in Europe in the 1840's the limelight did not make its way to America for nearly 2 decades later.
During the late 19th century however, more primitive methods of lighting began to set a foothold. These ideas rapidly took over and became the default lighting systems. These lighting methods are important because it meant less make up for the actors, and the ability to see more than was possible before.

Dressing the 19th Century woman

During this time, the materials used in making dresses, began to take a change. Wool, mostly limited to outer garments and mens apparel, was getting used to make dresses, alongside silk and cotton. It's first appearance was as an under petticoat, than eventually dresses. Alpaca, poplin, and mohair were the popular wools used during the time.
The shape of the dress began to change as well. The upper wires were removed from hoop skirts, thus making the dress a tighter fit, slimming the women. One piece dresses, with seams running the entire length also started to emerge. And for practical purposes, walking dresses were shortened to make walking easier.