Mädchen in Uniform

Mädchen in Uniform ("Girls in uniform") [1] is the title of an iconic German film, based on Gestern und Heute, a stage play by Christa Winsloe (1888-1944) [2].

The original text

Originally given the title Gestern und Heute (lit "Yesterday and today") by the author, the play was first 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 1930/1(?), directed by Leontine Sagan, the production apparently stressing the lesbian theme.

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 as Mädchen in Uniform, directed by Leontine Sagan to a script by Winsloe, 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.

Performed as Girls in Uniform at the Booth Theatre, New York, opening on 30 December, 1932.

In 1958 the play was once more filmed in German as Mädchen in Uniform by Géza von Radványi, with Lilli Palmer Romy Schneider.

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.