Der Opfer-Tod

A German play in three acts by August von Kotzebue.

The original text

It was first performed in 1796 in Berlin, and published in 1798. Von Kotzebue apparently considered it his best and most interesting play[1]

Translations and adaptations

By 1805 the play had already been translated into 6 languages, including English and Dutch.

Translated into Dutch by a number of authors in the years, amongst others by Jan Steven Van Esveldt-Holtrop. Published under the title Robert Maxwell, of De Offerdood in 1798 by both J.C. Leeuwestyn and J.Doll.

Performance history in South Africa

1824: Performed in Dutch as Robert Maxwell, of De Offerdood on 24 May by the company Vlyt en Kunst in the Liefhebbery Toneel - Amateur Theatre in Cape Town, with De Wonderdoctor (Molière), with De Gekwetste Reputatie, of Het Komedielootjie (Boniface) as interlude.

1843: Performed in Cape Town on 21 November in the Dutch translation as Robert Maxwell, of De Offerdood by "Het Privaat Hollandsch Liefhebbery Tooneel Gezelschap" ("The private Dutch amateur theatre company") Door Yver Vruchtbaar with De Wonderdocter, of Le Médecin Malgré Lui by (Molière).