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

Translations

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.

Translated from the German into Afrikaans as Alt-Heidelberg Ou Heidelberg by M.R. Heyns, published by De Bussy, 1932.

Adaptations=

The Student Prince

The play was adapted as an operetta in four acts called The Student Prince in 1924, with music by Sigmund Romberg and book and lyrics by Dorothy Donnelly [2]. The piece opened at the Jolson Theatre, New York on 2 December, 1924.

Films

As Meyer-Förster's best-known work, Alt-Heidelbergwas often adapted for film, including the famous version of The Student Prince featuring Mario Lanza.

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