Alt-Heidelberg

Alt-Heidelberg ("Old Heidelberg") is a German drama in five acts by Wilhelm Meyer-Förster (a.k.a. Samar Gregorow), (1862-1934)[1].

The original text

A play was based on Meyer-Förster's own 1898 novel Karl Heinrich, it tells the story of Prince Karl from Saxony who, while studying at the Heidelberg University, falls in love with Käthie, an innkeeper's daughter, but has to give her up when his father dies and he is called to return to his homeland and rule as King.

The play was first performed in 1901.

Translations and adaptations

Translated into English as Old Heidelberg by Rudolf Bleichmann and first produced at St. James's Theatre on 19 March, 1903, playing till 17 July, before going to the Grand Theatre, Southampton for the 1903–1904 season.

Meyer-Förster's best-known work, Alt-Heidelberg ("Old Heidelberg" in English) was adapted many times on film, and the English version was apparently the source for Sigmund Romberg's popular operetta The Student Prince.

Translated from the German into Afrikaans by M.R. Heyns, published by De Bussy, 1932.

Performance history in South Africa

1942: The Afrikaans version, also titled Alt-Heidelberg, was presented by the Vrouevereniging van Stellenbosch (Stellenbosch Women's Association) under the auspices of K.A.T., November 1942, in the Hofmeyr Hall