Description
Extensive collection of 205 Berlin theater programs accumulated by Ursula Kordmann, a Berlin theater subscriber, ranging from
1910–1950 with one typed manuscript of a short play by Kurt Finke. The collection establishes a broad overview of the production
of various Berlin stages and the Opera House starting with programs prior to W.W.I continuing through the immediate post W.W.II
period. It reflects the adjustments in programming made by Berlin stages during war times, the flourishing of theater at the
height of German culture during the Weimar Republic and the changes in programing towards Germanic themes implemented by the
National Socialist, including the unambiguous purge of Jewish influence in German culture and theater productions. These changes
in policies during the Third Reich are pronounced in the removal of advertisements of Jewish companies due to Aryanization
of businesses owned by Jewish citizens. Starting in 1933 advertisements are all but eliminated from the programs and gradually
reintroduced though without ads by Jewish companies, e.g. the colorful advertisements of Hermann Tietz, founder of the first
department store in Germany, last appears in 1934. Tietz ads reappear in programs of our collection in 1938 though under the
brand Hertie after George Karg had managed to buy the department store chain due to pressure exerted on the Jewish owners
by the National Socialists. The name Hertie represents the first three letters of first and last name of the original owner
Hermann Tietz. The programming at the theaters changes dramatically after W.W.II exemplified best with a production of Bertolt
Brecht's "Furcht und Elend des Dritten Reiches" at the Max Reinhardt Theater. Less than five percent of the programs included
are from stages outside Berlin. A majority of programs have handwritten dates on covers as well as notes inside the pamphlet
due to changes in the respective casts. The programs and leaflets are in overall very good condition with some of them age
toned and browned. [From dealer description]
Extent
1 Linear Feet
two manuscript boxes, one half manuscript box
Restrictions
While Special Collections is the owner of the physical items, permission to examine collection materials is not an authorization
to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission or reproduction
beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns.
Availability
Open for research. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use. Audiovisual & born-digital
materials are not available in original format, and must be reformatted to a digital use copy.