Mädchen in Uniform

Mädchen in Uniform ("Girl in uniform") [1] is a German play by Christa Winsloe (1888-1944) [2].

The original text

Originally given the title Gestern und Heute (lit "Yesterday and today"), it was produced in Leipzig as Ritter Nérestan ("Knight Nérestan") in 1930, the former title being considered too insipid.

Performed in Berlin as Krankheit der Liebe (lit. "Sickness of Love") in 1930(?), directed by Leontine Sagan.

The text published in Marton-Verlag (Manuskriptdrucke, 154), as "Gestern und Heute (Ritter Nérestan) Schauspiel in 3 Akten und 12 Bildern" in Budapest (by G. Marton) and in Berlin , (by G. Marton) , in 1930.

Translations and adaptations

Filmed in 1931, directed by Leontine Sagan as Mädchen in Uniform, with Carl Froelich (1875-1953)[3] as advisor and "senior artistic director". In this case the lesbian theme was somewhat toned down, but the film nevertheless became a lesbian classic.

It was translated into English by Barbara Burnham and performed as Children in Uniform for English audiences, opening at the Duchess Theatre in London in 1932, again directed by Leontine Sagan, and with Cathleen Nesbitt and Jessica Tandy in the cast.

Performance history in South Africa

1933: Leontine Sagan toured South Africa with the English version of the play (Children in Uniform) for three months on contract with African Consolidated Theatres, with herself in the role of Elisabeth von Bernburg and English actress Aileen Marsden as Manuela.