From Morning to Midnight: Oberon Modern Plays

Georg Kaiser's expressionist masterpiece, From Morning to Midnight, is a powerful and provocative play that explores the themes of urban alienation, human isolation, and the dehumanizing effects of capitalism. First performed in 1920, the play has since become a classic of modern theater and continues to be performed and studied around the world.

From Morning to Midnight (Oberon Modern Plays)

by Carolyne Larrington

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	682 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	96 pages
Paperback	:	48 pages
Item Weight	:	4.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.11 x 11 inches

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In this article, we will take an in-depth look at From Morning to Midnight, examining its themes, characters, and impact on modern theater. We will also provide a brief analysis of the play's production history and critical reception.

Themes

From Morning to Midnight is a complex and multi-layered play that explores a wide range of themes. Some of the most prominent themes include:

• Urban alienation: The play is set in the bustling metropolis of Berlin, where the characters are constantly surrounded by crowds of people but feel isolated and alone. This theme is reflected in the play's fragmented and disjointed structure, which mirrors the characters' sense of alienation.
• Human isolation: The characters in From Morning to Midnight are all isolated from each other. They are unable to connect with each other on a meaningful level, and they are ultimately trapped in their own loneliness. This theme is particularly evident in the character of the Cashier, who is physically and emotionally isolated from the other characters.
• The dehumanizing effects of capitalism: The play is set in a capitalist society, where people are reduced to commodities and profit is the driving force. This theme is reflected in the play's characters, who are all alienated from their work and from each other. The play also shows the negative effects of capitalism on the environment, as the city is polluted and the people are sick.

Characters

The characters in From Morning to Midnight are complex and well-developed. They represent a cross-section of society, from the wealthy banker to the poor prostitute. Each character has their own unique story and perspective, which contributes to the play's rich and complex texture.

Some of the most notable characters include:

• The Cashier: The Cashier is a young man who works in a bank. He is a lonely and isolated figure, who is unable to connect with the other characters. He is also a victim of the dehumanizing effects of capitalism, as he is reduced to a mere cog in the machine.
• The Banker: The Banker is a wealthy and powerful man, who represents the capitalist system. He is a ruthless and unfeeling character, who is only interested in making money. He is also responsible for the Cashier's alienation and despair.
• The Prostitute: The Prostitute is a young woman who sells her body for money. She is a victim of poverty and exploitation, and she is also a symbol of the dehumanizing effects of capitalism. The Prostitute is a complex and tragic character, who is both vulnerable and strong.
• The Poet: The Poet is a young man who is struggling to find his place in the world. He is a dreamer and an idealist, but he is also a victim of the capitalist system. The Poet is a symbol of hope, but he is also a reminder of the challenges that face those who dare to dream.

Impact on Modern Theater

From Morning to Midnight has had a profound impact on modern theater. The play's innovative use of expressionist techniques, its powerful themes, and its complex characters have all influenced subsequent generations of playwrights. Some of the most notable playwrights who have been influenced by From Morning to Midnight include Bertolt Brecht, Eugene Ionesco, and Samuel Beckett.

The play's expressionist techniques have been particularly influential. Expressionism is a style of theater that emphasizes the inner emotions of the characters rather than the external reality of the plot. Expressionist plays often use distorted sets, fragmented dialogue, and exaggerated characterization to create a sense of alienation and anxiety. These techniques are all evident in From Morning to Midnight, and they have helped to create a unique and unforgettable theatrical experience.

Production History and Critical Reception

From Morning to Midnight was first performed in 1920 in Berlin. The play was a critical and commercial success, and it quickly became one of the most performed plays of the expressionist movement. The play has since been performed around the world, and it continues to be one of Kaiser's most popular and influential works.

Over the years, From Morning to Midnight has received a wide range of critical reception. Some critics have praised the play's innovative use of expressionist techniques and its powerful themes. Others have criticized the play's fragmented structure and its pessimistic outlook. However, despite the mixed reviews, From Morning to Midnight remains one of the most important and influential plays of the modern theater.

From Morning to Midnight is a powerful and provocative play that explores the themes of urban alienation, human isolation, and the dehumanizing effects of capitalism. The play's innovative use of expressionist techniques, its powerful themes, and its complex characters have all influenced subsequent generations of playwrights. From Morning to Midnight is a must-read for anyone who is interested in modern theater or in the human condition.